NSW Public Servants Told to Return to the Office

In a recent memo from the NSW Premier’s Department, government employees are now being encouraged to return to their offices instead of working from home. The memo states that staff should primarily work from an approved workplace, marking a shift away from the remote work arrangements that became common during the pandemic.

This guidance primarily affects public servants who can do their jobs remotely, while frontline workers who are already doing their tasks in the field are not included in this directive. Premier Chris Minns emphasized the importance of in-person work for building a strong public service culture, mentioning that studies indicate people tend to be less productive at home.

While full-time public servants are expected to be in the office at least three days a week, individual agencies will still have the flexibility to accommodate special requests for remote work. The Premier’s Department has made it clear that flexible working arrangements such as part-time roles and job-sharing can continue, especially for those with caring responsibilities.

However, the Public Service Association (PSA) has voiced concerns that this push to bring staff back into the office could lead to people seeking jobs elsewhere. They argue that flexible working is crucial for retaining qualified workers, noting that many public sector employees don’t have the option to work remotely.

On the other hand, the Property Council of Australia welcomed this move, saying it could revitalize commercial centers by bringing more foot traffic back to businesses. They noted the significant vacancy rates in areas like Sydney and Parramatta, indicating that more public servants in the office could help boost local economies.

A town hall event is set to take place to provide further details to employees regarding these changes and how they will manage their work arrangements moving forward.