By AIDAN KNIGHT

 

VICTORIANS across the state have expressed an overwhelming want for their right to work from home to be protected within state government legislation.

A survey opened by the state government in August, which ran for close to seven weeks, asked residents to share their views on plans to make working from home a legal right next year.

Under the proposal, any employee who can reasonably perform their role from home would have the right to do so for at least two days a week, regardless of whether they work in the public or private sector.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the consultation aimed to make sure the rules were “fair, practical, and reflective of real-world experience.”

“One of the reasons work from home is at risk is because there are no rules and workers don’t know where they stand,” she said.

“If you can do your job from home, we are making it your right – because we’re on your side.”

The consultation would not revisit whether working from home should be a right. The government says that is already decided – but will instead focus on matters such as which types and sizes of businesses will be covered, how “remote work” will be defined, and who will be eligible.

Ms Allan and Acting Minister for Industrial Relations, Harriet Shing last Thursday released an initial snapshot of the government’s biggest-ever workplace survey, which attracted 36,770 responses.

The survey found more than 74 per cent of employees said the right to work from home was “extremely important” to them, while 88 per cent said the ability to do so would make them more likely to stay in a job longer.

Ms Allan said the results made it clear that Victorians want work from home protected.

“The biggest-ever Victorian government survey says work from home works for families and it’s good for the economy,” she said.

“Of those who could work from home but currently don’t, most had requested it – and most were refused. That’s exactly why we’re protecting work from home.”

Key findings from the survey included:

  • More than 28,700 participants said they were more productive when working from home;
  • 13,324 respondents said their one-way commute takes more than an hour, while more than 9200 said travel costs them $25–$49 each week;
  • Two days a week was the most common remote work arrangement, reported by 10,207 respondents, and;
  • Of those who had asked to work from home but were refused, 97 per cent believed the response was unreasonable, with three-quarters saying it led to further workplace challenges.

The consultation will now move into the next stage, with industry forums and further engagement with businesses and unions underway.

Ms Shing said the overwhelming response would help shape legislation expected to be introduced to Parliament next year.

“A record number of Victorians have told us how they feel about working from home – and we’re listening,” she said.

“We’ll use this data and consultation with industry to help us shape laws that are fair and practical for everyone.”