Can the boss force you to return to the office?

While Covid lockdowns are a thing of the past, many Australians have subsequently opted to not return to the office. The latest statistics show that on average, city workers spend one third of their work week at home, with many working from home full-time.

Companies introduce mandatory office days

This leaves offices largely deserted, but many employers want their workers to return to the office. Even the video conferencing company Zoom, which made a fortune during lockdown because so many people worked from home, is now asking its employees to return to the office.

In Australia, a survey found 87 per cent of employers have introduced mandatory office days, with 19 per cent insisting their staff spend five days per week at the office desk. (Please see 87% of Australian companies have implemented mandatory office days for staff, Robert Half Talent Solutions, 9 August 2023.)