According to a report by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA), the number of parents, individuals with disabilities or health issues, and carers who are employed has increased. This is a result of both the robust job market and the move towards remote jobs brought on by the epidemic.
Drawing from the 2022 Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, the research discovered that a significant number of individuals from formerly unemployed categories are now beginning to work. The survey revealed that, on average, 8.5% more women and young children worked occupations that allowed them to do duties from home between 2019 and 2022.
Within that timeframe, the percentage of individuals with disabilities or health conditions working in jobs suitable for remote work rose by nearly six points. The study also said that these groups now have the same rates of working from home as their peers.
Chief Economist at the CEDA, Cassandra Winzar, said, “This is a clear win for workers, employers, and the economy. It can also help the federal government reach its goal of full employment.”
She talked about important ways to build on these progresses, such as ways to make both remote and in-office job settings more productive. Some ideas were to make performance expectations clearer, make mentoring programmes official, and improve communication and management skills.
Hybrid arrangements have shown promise in increasing productivity, participation, and employee satisfaction. However, Winzar stressed that employers need to keep trying new things and adapting their methods to fit their specific situations and changing employee preferences.
