Survey shows strong support for work-from-home rights

MORE than 36,000 Victorians have backed the right to work from home, in what the State Government says is its largest survey on workplace conditions.

The seven-week consultation drew 36,770 responses, including more than 700 in-language submissions and 295 formal statements from individuals and businesses.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the findings would guide new laws guaranteeing employees the right to work from home two days a week if their job allows it.

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

Almost three-quarters of employees surveyed said the right to work from home was “extremely important” to them, while 88 per cent said it would make them more likely to stay in a job longer.

More than 28,700 participants said they were more productive working from home, and 83 per cent of those who already did so reported higher focus and output.

Commuting costs and time were also major factors, with 39 per cent saying their one-way trip took more than an hour and more than a quarter spending between $25 and $49 a week on travel.

Acting Minister for Industrial Relations Harriet Shing said the feedback confirmed what many workplaces had already found.

“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 working from home laws that are fair and practical for everyone.”

Under the proposed legislation, employees who can reasonably do their job from home would have the right to do so protected across both public and private sectors.