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The original was posted on /r/newzealand by /u/Reclining9694 on 2024-09-28 08:20:50+00:00.
Original Title: I've emailed the prime minister regarding the WFH changes. Productivity is their concern, but they can't give more details. People should be in the office if they can, but at the same people could still WFH if there are sensible reasons.
I've emailed the PM as I believe WFH should not be reduced and is beneficial for productivity, traffic, environment, and wellbeing. Their first reply below.
We are concerned that what was introduced as a temporary measure during COVID risks putting pressure on team performance, office culture, and talent development. That’s why we’re setting clear expectations around working from home arrangements for the public service and that if you can work from the office, you should.
Working from the office enables efficient communication, free-flowing ideas, and strong professional relationships. It also supports younger and newer employees to observe and learn from their more experienced colleagues.
There are many sensible reasons why public servants work from home. Lots of men and women have in place good-faith arrangements that work well not only for them and their family but for their agency as well. The new expectations will not prevent that from happening.
Working from home arrangements should only be agreed to where they will not compromise the performance of employees and agency objectives. Agencies must actively monitor the prevalence and impact of working from home agreements and be able to regularly report to the Public Service Commission about the number and nature of the agreements they have in place.
Then I asked on basis of what research or KPIs their perceived drop in productivity was based. Response below, they don't know the details. No response from minister Willis yet.
As the Prime Minister, he relies on his colleagues to respond on his behalf to specific matters relating to their portfolios. As such, I have forwarded your request for more information onto the office of the Minister for the Public Service, Hon Nicola Willis, for their consideration.