The New South Wales government has issued a new directive requiring government sector staff to work primarily in the office, reversing its hybrid working policy.
As the nation’s largest employer, with more than 400,000 employees, this means rethinking the situation for many workers across the state.
Public sector workers include office workers, forest rangers, nurses, health workers and paramedics, teachers and school support staff, social workers, emergency response workers, transportation officers, police officers and correctional officers.
“The starting position is that government sector employees work primarily in an approved workplace in New South Wales,” says a directive from the Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Department released on Monday.
“Working from home arrangements on certain occasions must take into consideration the broader needs of departments, agencies, the community and stakeholders.”
Work patterns have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the directive said.
However, the ministry says a “sense of belonging” to organizations and teams is essential.
“The more our work experience is shared, the more united we become. This requires a physical presence in our organizations.”
Individual agencies will be required to set their own policies.
Property Council of Australia NSW executive director Katie Stevenson said the move was a strong and positive step that would bring “more vibrancy, investment, business and talent to our cities”.
