Flight Centre and Dell end WFH as companies order workers back into the office

Two more major companies in Australia have ended their staff’s WFH privileges, joining a growing list of employers who want their staff back in the office.

Flight Centre and Dell ordered staff back recently, with Dell giving staff only four days notice that flexible working arrangements were ending.

Dell’s memo was sent on September 26 and employees were expected to resume working five days in the office from September 30, Reuters reported.

Dell Technologies, which has about 1500 Aussie workers, had been operating under a three-day-a-week rule before its sudden shift to five days in the office.

The Dell memo said the shift was to help the collaborative environment and ‘grow skills’ – which requires employees back in the office. 

‘Working remotely should be the exception rather than the routine,’ it said.

The Flight Centre memo was reportedly shared online refers to an unattached video featuring the Brisbane-based chief people and culture officer – and placed workplace culture as the main reason they want their staff back in the office.

The memo said ‘a key part of our culture is the ability to form connections together in person’, Yahoo reported.

Flight Centre employees are now required five days a week in their offices and shops – unless they are travelling.

But employees have the opportunity to request exceptions. 

More to come