Directive Prompts Backlash
NAB workers have reacted strongly to a new directive increasing in-office days. The move affects junior staff and team leaders. An internal memo informed staff about the change. The decision aligns NAB with a growing list of companies reducing remote work flexibility.
Anger Among Employees
Employees responded with shock on the bank’s internal platform. Hundreds reacted with angry, shocked and broken heart emojis. Many workers feel the change disregards their work-life balance gains during the pandemic. Staff who adjusted to hybrid routines now face a shift in their daily commitments.
Figure 1: Employees are very angry in response to a new directive increasing in-office days
Union Slams Move
Finance Sector Union national president Wendy Streets criticised the directive. “People are not prepared to turn back the hands of time,” she said. “They’ve found a new, fairer, more efficient way of working; they’re not going to be dragged back to the past,” she added. Union officials say NAB risks alienating employees who value flexible conditions.
New Requirements Announced
Junior NAB employees must now attend the office three days a week, and team leaders must increase attendance to four days. Senior executives have already returned full-time, but their five-day office schedule remains unchanged.
NAB Justifies Decision
NAB senior executive Sarah White explained the reasoning behind the change. She said the bank was “evolving” towards an office-based model and emphasised its benefits for “collaboration, teamwork, and problem solving for customers.” NAB leaders argue that this model supports productivity and builds stronger staff connections.
Union Warns of Cultural Damage
Wendy Streets warned the policy could damage NAB’s culture. “We don’t believe there is any business case for staff to return to the office more,” she said. “A lot of members are telling us they will walk and they will leave,” she added. The union believes the move may drive resignations and impact talent retention.
Other Banks Maintain Hybrid Approach
Westpac staff are required to be in the office at least two days per week, while ANZ and Commonwealth Bank employees attend for half their rostered days. NAB’s decision now exceeds these minimum requirements.
National Return-to-Office Trend
The NAB directive reflects a broader shift in corporate Australia. Large employers are gradually reducing work-from-home flexibility. Amazon, Tabcorp, Woolworths and Coles have also mandated increased office attendance.
Employers Increase Office Expectations
The Australian HR Institute recently surveyed 1,000 employees. It found that 45 per cent of companies now require three to five office days weekly. The most common arrangement was three days in office, reported by 32 per cent of participants.
Hybrid Work Still Popular
More than 80 per cent of respondents expect hybrid work to remain. Many believe it will either increase or stay the same in the coming years. Staff preferences continue to influence long-term workforce strategies in competitive job markets.
Return Mandates Influence Each Other
Robert Half surveyed 500 Australian employers. The firm found that 84 per cent adjusted their office policies based on competitors’ mandates. This trend shows how peer decisions shape corporate work strategies.
Worker Sentiment Remains Strong
Randstad Australia executive Angela Anasis highlighted employee resistance. She said staff remain firm against forced office returns. “Given people are prepared to walk away from a job if they’re forced back into the office, employers should carefully consider how to incentivise attendance, focusing on the carrot rather than the stick,” she said.
Retention Now a Key Concern
Businesses are reassessing how to keep staff amid workplace changes. Employee flexibility remains a central issue. Firms that enforce strict policies may face higher turnover. Leaders are now weighing policy goals against employee sentiment. Worker satisfaction and employer expectations continue to shape the future of office life in Australia.
