For many workers like Jason Sennitt, the push to return to the office full-time or near-full-time is causing frustration and concern. Despite loving his job, Jason, 53, struggles with his employer’s demand to be in the office three to four days a week—mandates he feels ignore his unique circumstances and the realities of modern work.

Jason lives in an outer suburb of Geelong, Australia, with his wife, two school-age children, and his elderly mother who suffers from dementia. Managing his family commitments alongside his job in customer service at one of Australia’s largest energy providers means balancing long commutes and caregiving responsibilities that aren’t easily accommodated by rigid office return policies.

The Challenges of Mandated Office Returns

Jason’s situation is emblematic of a growing number of employees pushed by their employers to abandon flexible work arrangements that became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic. His company has told him he must return to the office at least three days a week this year—and four days a week starting next year.

“Even though I have to travel five hours to do an eight-hour shift, I’m happy to do that a couple of times a week,” Jason says. “But being in the office that much… it’s not necessary for me to do my job well and it feels like the business hasn’t really considered this.”

Jason has formally applied for an exemption from the return-to-office mandate. But he believes his employer’s “broad brushstroke” policy paints all workers with the same wide stroke, without regard for individual needs or roles that don’t require constant physical presence.

The Wider Context: A National Debate

Jason’s story isn’t unique. Across Australia, workers and employers are clashing over the future of flexible work arrangements. Many employees have embraced working from home (WFH) for the freedom it provides, better work-life balance, and reduced commuting time.

On the other hand, some employers argue that physical presence is essential for collaboration, company culture, and productivity. As a result, many companies have introduced mandates requiring employees to return to the office for multiple days a week, often applying these policies uniformly across departments and job roles.

This “one-size-fits-all” approach has sparked backlash from workers who say their individual circumstances aren’t being considered.

Fair Work Commission to Step In

The growing tensions around return-to-office policies are set to reach a head as disputes make their way to the Fair Work Commission, Australia’s workplace relations tribunal. The Commission is expected to consider whether employers’ mandates for office attendance respect workers’ rights, including requests for flexible work arrangements.

Many employees, including Jason, hope that Fair Work will acknowledge the diverse needs of workers and push for more nuanced policies that balance business goals with employees’ personal situations.

Why Flexibility Matters

The pandemic showed many businesses and employees that productivity can be maintained—even improved—outside traditional office settings. Employees like Jason highlight how flexibility enables them to juggle work with caregiving, family, and long commutes.

The loss of flexible work can mean increased stress, burnout, and even resignation if workers feel forced to choose between their jobs and their personal lives.

Jason’s experience underscores a broader call for employers to reconsider blanket mandates and engage in meaningful dialogue with employees about what working arrangements truly support their roles and well-being.

What’s Next for Workers and Employers?

As the WFH debate intensifies, employers may need to rethink rigid return-to-office policies and instead develop tailored approaches that recognize job functions and individual circumstances.

For workers, the upcoming Fair Work hearings offer a chance to influence future workplace norms, ensuring that flexibility becomes a lasting part of Australia’s employment landscape.

Jason remains hopeful but cautious. “I want to keep doing my job well without sacrificing my family’s needs. I’m waiting to see if fairness and understanding will win out in the end.”

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