Globalisation and technological advancement has fuelled the emergence of a mobile workforce with almost 70 per cent of Australians working remotely each week.
According to a study by the International Workplace Group (IWG) almost 50 per cent of Australian employees work remotely for at least half of the week while more than two-thirds work at least one a day a week outside the office.
The comprehensive new global study surveyed more than 18,000 professionals from a range of different industries across 96 countries – and the results are clear –remote working arrangements are on the rise.
Head of IWG Australia and New Zealand Damien Sheehan said: “We are entering the era of the mobile workforce and it is hugely exciting. Not just for individual employees, but for businesses too.
“There is a workspace revolution underway in Australia and businesses are waking up to the strategic and financial benefits that flexible office space can provide.”
The findings revealed that 50 per cent of respondents believe they could save more than 10 per cent simply by converting long-term leases into flexible workspace. While more than 80 per cent of survey respondents agreed that key factors driving companies to use remote working locations included the ability to help employees achieve a better work life balance (81%) and reduced commuting times (84%).
Mr Sheehan said the results signified a dramatic shift in the workspace landscape in Australia.
“Businesses are now looking closely at what this means for their corporate real estate portfolios,” he said.
Gone are the days of working 9-5 from a fixed office base as businesses embrace a new and exciting working model, which is proving to be a win-win for employer and employee.
“The IWG survey found that flexible working not only reduces commuting time, but enhances productivity, staff retention, job satisfaction and even creativity. This is in addition to the financial and strategic advantages that it brings for businesses,”Mr Sheehan said.
IWG CEO, Mark Dixon says: “Changes in technology and digitalisation have led to a growing use of on-demand services generally in business, with organisations of all sizes wanting to increasingly outsource non-core activities.
“Flexible working, supported by a professional on-demand workspace network, is now being discussed by senior leaders across functions in companies including risk management, business development, human resources, marketing and strategy.
“One day soon, flexible working could simply be known as ‘working’. We are reaching the tipping point.”
