Younger Australian employees are less likely to consider a full-time return to the office than their older counterparts, with only 46% of the 45-to-54 age cohort admitting that they would seek employment elsewhere if required to be in the office every day.

This attitude was least widespread among those aged 55 and older. Only 27% of this generation showed hesitation about returning to daily in-person meetings.

From ADP’s perspective, the results indicate that COVID-19 has ushered in a shift in work patterns that is unlikely to be reversed over time.
According to the survey, younger employees’ expectations and desires for the workplace of the future have drastically transformed, and this includes flexible work arrangements.

ADP Australia reports that returning to full-time in-person work is a scary prospect for workers, especially the younger generations, due to travel times and costs.

ADP stated that organisations should evaluate their future working arrangements if they haven’t already, as a growing number of Australians anticipate remote and flexible work from their employers.

While remote work was necessary during peak COVID waves, businesses must now be more purposeful and cognizant of the changing demands of employees and employers as they navigate future working arrangements, whether those include a return to the office or remote arrangements.

Not only should businesses consider where workers prefer to work, but also how they work most successfully.

The percentage of Australians who would reevaluate their current position if obliged to work full-time is indicative of a strong employee voice while also indicating that employee-employer collaboration in the workplace will be essential.

While the report acknowledged that the in-person workplace offers social and career benefits, it is evident that these benefits do not outweigh employee experience. With particularly strong resistance between the ages of 25 and 44, where workers are more likely to have experienced office work prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and are better able to compare in-office and work-from-home arrangements.

Employers are seeking a combination of the ability to work remotely, team days, cross-functional cooperation, and office development prospects, according to ADP’s analysis of the cohort’s insights.

To guarantee career possibilities are not missed, organisations will need to explore how to persuade employees to work on-site, as well as how to provide a balanced workplace by accommodating employees’ requirements and desires through flexible choices.

Physical office space is becoming increasingly significant. When individuals seek a workspace that enables and facilitates collaboration and quiet space, there is a seamless transition between the office and remote work.