With restrictions easing across Australia, brokers should begin considering how and when is best for them to return to the office if they haven't already, according to FBAA managing director Peter White AM.
“It’s important to have conversations regarding the return to the workplace with all your staff well before it is implemented,” White explained.
“Review and investigate all the possible options that are open to you and your specific business and its particular needs, and then make a decision based on the needs of the staff and the needs of the business in an open environment conversation, so everyone can take ownership and feel comfortable with the decision made.”
Including all members of the team in strategising the return to office will help cultivate a transition which suits everyone involved, according to White; however, business leaders must remember there are inherent limitations to making everyone happy.
“Staff can refuse to return to the office as everyone has the right to express their views and desires in the workplace, but ultimately, there is a business that needs to run efficiently and effectively by the business owner, management or the board that governs that operation,” he said.
“If people do want to remain working from home, they should be investing in the right equipment so they can work as efficiently as possible," he added.
“There are OH&S Laws and WFH Laws that employees must comply with when working from home, and these are complex to ensure the health and safety is up to standard for an at-home working environment.”
Additionally, brokers need to make sure they understand the relevant policies and directions in place on a higher level – guidelines which are shifting on a regular basis.
“Brokers needs to ensure that their state’s policies are unquestionably met, together with the guidance from the federal government,” said White.
The FBAA itself plans to adopt a “blended arrangement” between working from home and in the office in the immediate future – a strategy many brokers also seem to be adopting.
“This will mean, as it would for any business, that the laws need to be adhered to and best practice must be achieved at all times, whilst also optimising the KPIs and needs of the business,” White concluded.
For more on this story, check out Issue 17.11 of Australian Broker
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