NSW Premier Chris Minns has ordered NSW Government workers to return to the office, with hybrid working arrangement needing approval.

Most government workers already attend the office, but this order seems like it will make it difficult to have any hybrid arrangement approved. We are not requesting to work from home full-time forever, we simply want the flexibility that the public service has always provided us without being ordered to return. The impact on our personal and financial wellbeing is immense, particularly with cost of living pressures.   

Issue 1 - Local businesses:
While this step is seen as an effort to foster city businesses, it drastically overlooks the local businesses that benefited from employees working from home. More than just a supportive avenue for local commerce, this home office model also helped several workers balance their professional duties with familial obligations, meanwhile supporting the local community.

Issue 2 - Productivity & Wellbeing:
NSW Innovation and Productivity Council in collaboration with the NSW Productivity Commission, released the report titled “Why Hybrid is Here to Stay and How to Seize the Opportunities”. This report stated that the rise in remote work could raise NSW’s productivity permanently by 1.9 per cent, or $6 billion a year and improve the wellbeing of the average NSW household by around $1,800 a year.

Issue 3 - Carbon emissions:
A sudden mandate to return to offices not only disrupts these arrangements but also implies an unnecessary surge in carbon emissions. Remote workers can have a 54% lower carbon footprint compared with onsite workers, according to a new study by Cornell and Microsoft. Less traffic, less congestion, less impact on everyone, and more time for us as humans to live and enjoy our lives. 

Issue 4 - Commercial landlords:
The Property Council of Australia heavily influences government decisions, with commercial landlords pushing for a return to offices to maximise their profits. This focus on profit over people ignores the benefits of hybrid work for employees and local communities. By prioritising landlords' financial interests, the government risks undermining the wellbeing of workers and the broader economy.

Issue 5 - Personal wellbeing:
Remote work has significantly improved personal wellbeing, reducing stress from commuting and promoting a better work-life balance. This flexibility allows workers more time for family, health, and productivity. Removing it could negatively impact morale and undo these important benefits. 

Issue 6 - Cost of living:
Working from home helps ease the cost of living by reducing expenses like commuting, fuel, and public transport fares, offering relief to families already struggling with inflation and rising mortgage payments. Forcing employees back to the office will only add financial pressure, particularly on those facing high transport costs, further straining household budgets during an already difficult economic time. Australian's have saved $85 billion by ditching the commute!

Issue 7 - is this to encourage job cuts and cull the public sector? It's no secret that the NSW Government is looking to cut it's staff numbers, perhaps this is to push people out?

Summary:
We urge the NSW Premier to reconsider this mandate, acknowledging the diverse impacts it would bring forth. Stand with us and oppose the mandatory return to the office for NSW government workers. Your signature can steer us towards a more flexible, greener, and locally supportive work option. Sign the petition today.