Australia’s Productivity Commission Cautions Against Mandated Work-From-Home Laws

Australia’s Productivity Commission informed a Senate inquiry that a legal right for all workers to request remote work is not clearly needed, as employers and employees are already establishing suitable arrangements. Commissioner Catherine de Fontenay stated there’s insufficient evidence that many who could work from home productively are being prevented from doing so. A bill introduced by Greens Senator Barbara Pocock would permit employees to request up to two days of working from home weekly, with employers able to refuse only if it significantly hinders job requirements.

• Australia’s Productivity Commission has stated there is no clear need for a legal right to request working from home.
• The commission argues that employers and staff are already reaching suitable arrangements without further regulation.
• More evidence is required to demonstrate the necessity of a new law mandating remote work.
• A proposed bill would allow employees to request up to two days of working from home weekly.
• Employers could refuse a work-from-home request if it makes carrying out core job requirements impractical or impossible.