Younger Australians demand flexible working

Younger Australians are reluctant to return to the workplace full time, with the majority willing to consider jumping ship if their employer insisted on the matter, a new report suggests.

The ADP Institute’s new ‘People at Work 2022’ report found that 54% of 18- to 24-year-olds and 65% of 25- to 34-year-olds would consider looking for a new job if their employer insisted on a full-time return to the workplace. This compares to 46% of 45- to 54-year-olds and 27% of the 55 and older demographic.

According to the report, COVID lockdowns have heralded a shift in worker habits that is unlikely to be reversed in the long term, given the changed expectations among younger employees around hybrid and flexible working.

Travel time and surging travel costs are also contributing to the decision, with the effects more acutely felt among the younger cohorts.

ADP Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand Kylie Baullo said following extended lockdowns, remote and flexible working has become an expectation for many Australians. “Returning to in-person work full time is a daunting proposition for workers, particularly the younger generations, and companies should consider their future workplace arrangements,” she said.

“Whilst remote work was a necessity during peak COVID waves, businesses must now be more purposeful and conscious of the evolving needs of workers and employers as they navigate future working arrangements — whether that includes a return to office or remote arrangements.”

Businesses still relying on an in-person presence at times will also need to consider how to entice staff to work in the office, she added.

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