How a change in workplace trends is affecting business.

 

Australian office workers expect more from their work-from-home arrangement and it could be costing companies up to a quarter of a million dollars. 

 

New research commissioned by Complete Office Supplies found that 62 per cent of office workers expect their employer to support their WFH set-up, even if WFH isn’t mandatory.  

 

However, almost half the population is either working from home or in a hybrid fashion, and the majority (68 per cent) would like a more ergonomic setup.  

 

With the rising costs of living putting pressure on bank accounts, they are also expecting their employers (62 per cent) to pay for their home set-up, even if working from home is no longer a requirement. 

 

The study found that nearly half (44%) are still working from home in 2023, with one quarter (25 per cent) hybrid and one in five (19 per cent) fully remote, while (56 per cent) are working full time in the office or workplace. 

 

The average Australian is spending $450 on their at-home work setup, many are now calling on their employers to not only compensate their WFH setup, but also expect it to be ergonomic and have everyday items and office supplies provided too (61 per cent). 

 

When it comes to the items that employees are expecting to be provided for their at-home setup, these included: 

Despite almost half the population working full-time or part-time at home, almost 40 per cent don’t have a dedicated WFH set-up, with the majority (44 per cent) stating their work hasn’t provided them one.

 

 A quarter (25 per cent) have experienced health conditions from their WFH set up. The most common issues include lower back pain (52 per cent), neck pain (42 per cent), upper back pain (37 per cent) and wrist pain (29 per cent). 

 

The majority of these respondents (78 per cent) took time off due to this health issue, and this was for up to two weeks at a time. (70 per cent). 

 

Belinda Lyone, co-CEO of COS, commented, “There have been huge shifts in working environments over the last few years, with more office workers choosing to work part-time or full-time at home. However, our research shows that people are expecting more from their work from home set up, even if WFH isn’t something their workplace is mandating. This includes an ergonomic set-up and the additional outlay could be costing medium-sized companies more than $250,000.  

 

“While many companies may prefer their staff to come into the office more, which has been met with resistance in some sectors, the research uncovered a few ways to entice employees back. 

 

This includes increased salary (50 per cent), reimbursement for travel costs (36 per cent), incentives, team drinks and lunches (28 per cent), and an inspiring work environment (25 per cent),” she said.

 

Telstra’s IT check-list

 

In the latest Telstra Business Intelligence report on Managing Risks Online, small-to- medium businesses said the top five IT-related issues that impact their business’s productivity are: