Winning rat race at home

WORKING from home is a perk equal to a 7 per cent pay rise, a government report reveals.

The Productivity Commission study shows that some employees would be willing to take a pay cut in return for working from home permanently.

But it warns that working from home during the Covid-19 pandemic is putting staff at greater risk of “burnout” or “slacking off”.

Productivity Commission chairman Michael Brennan said 40 per cent of Australian workers are based at home during the pandemic, compared to just 8 per cent previously.

“For many employees working from home arrangements will be a factor in deciding which job to take,” he said.

“Some employees have even indicated they would be prepared to take less pay in return for the ability to work from home.

“Working from home is of value to many workers, with savings in respect to the commute and the flexibility to combine work with other responsibilities, like putting on a load of washing between meetings.”

The Productivity Commission report cites research from the US showing that the ability to work from home two or three days may be worth the equivalent of a 7 per cent pay rise to workers.

Town Planner Max Williams, from Airport West in Melbourne, saves about two hours a day not having to commute to the office.

“It would be dark by the time I got home from work,’’ he said.

“Now I finish work and the sun is still up so I can go on a bike ride or a walk when it’s still daylight.”

Mr Williams said he liked working from home because he could opt for comfortable over corporate attire.

“It’s nice to wear casual clothes and be comfy.”