When Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently spoke in favour of workplace flexibility, he highlighted something many of us already know—flexible work isn’t just about convenience; it’s about making life better for workers, businesses, and communities.
With some calling for a full-time return to the office, it’s worth looking at why flexibility is worth defending.
One of the biggest perks of working from home is the savings. No more spending thousands on commuting costs, parking, or overpriced takeaway lunches. Instead, that money can go towards things that actually matter—whether it’s paying the bills, saving for a holiday, or just having a little extra breathing room.
And let’s not forget time. Sitting in traffic or crammed onto public transport for hours each week is exhausting. The time saved by working flexibly means more moments with family, more exercise, or even just an extra hour of sleep.
For many women, flexibility is the difference between staying in the workforce or stepping away. Whether it’s managing school pick-ups, caring for a loved one, or just having a schedule that actually fits with life, flexible work keeps careers moving forward.
When workplaces support flexibility, they don’t just retain talented employees—they help level the playing field, giving more people the chance to thrive.
Working from home doesn’t mean employees completely stop spending—it just means their spending happens closer to home. That morning coffee? It’s bought from the local café, not a city chain. Lunch? Picked up from the bakery down the road. Instead of spending money in corporate office precincts, remote workers support small businesses in their own neighbourhoods, helping to keep local economies and communities thriving.
Flexibility also opens up opportunities for people outside of major cities. Instead of having to relocate for work, more Australians can build careers from wherever they call home. This isn’t just good for individuals—it strengthens regional economies and takes pressure off overcrowded city centres.
Fewer commutes mean fewer cars on the road, lower emissions, and less strain on public transport. It’s a simple shift that benefits everyone—not just workers, but the environment too.
The idea that being in the office equals productivity has been well and truly debunked. Flexible work allows employees to get the job done in ways that suit them best, often leading to better outcomes. It’s not about where you work—it’s about how you work.
Workplace flexibility isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s essential. It creates a fairer, more inclusive workforce, supports families, strengthens communities, and improves quality of life. Instead of going backwards, we should be looking at how to make flexible work even better.
Looking for an employer that values flexibility? FlexCareers can help.