The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has suggested new concessions that would allow Australian public servants uncapped remote work opportunities. This development aims to move towards a more flexible work environment.
This initiative intends to fulfil the workforce’s changing needs, recruit diverse talent, and improve work-life balance.
A paradigm shift for public servants
Public servants can now request limitless remote working days under a new proposal from the APSC’s chief negotiator, Peter Riordan. This is a break from the previous strategy, which had created controversy by placing caps on remote work. While individual agencies will have the last word on flexible work arrangements for their employees. The APSC’s proposal urges agencies to consider their specific operational environment and job requirements.
The APSC emphasises that if an agency cannot meet a flexible work request, it must make a serious effort to establish alternate arrangements. The APSC hopes to achieve a beneficial conclusion that benefits both APS agencies and employees by allowing this freedom. However, it is important to mention that some senior executives in the APS still value face-to-face engagement. They may also prefer more traditional methods of communication.
Flexible working principles and the possibility of a four-day week
On April 13, the APSC issued a set of flexible working principles in order to position the APS as a model employer and rethink the future of work in government. These principles aim to make flexible work a cultural norm throughout the APS while emphasising regular face-to-face contact’s importance.
The APS seeks to attract a wide pool of candidates, including those outside of Canberra, by embracing flexible working and competing for talent in the commercial sector. The shift to flexible working also accords with a key demand made during talks by the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU). The CPSU emphasises that the APS suffers employee burnout, high turnover rates, and exorbitant workloads.
Embracing flexible work, broadening job options and raising the minimum wage can revolutionise the APS. This can also improve the services it provides to the public.
The APS strives to rethink the future of work in government and provide better services to the Australian people by encouraging a flexible culture and testing novel working patterns. The APSC has indicated careful consideration for a pilot or trial phase to investigate the feasibility and benefits of this model.