Aussie tech workers demand pay rise for office return

Research from Robert Half reveals that a significant number of Australian tech workers require a salary premium to return to full-time office work, valuing remote work as critical for job satisfaction.

An independent survey commissioned by Robert Half among 214 full-time tech workers in Australia reports that 53% would consider returning to the office if offered a salary premium. This comes as businesses strive to increase office presence following pandemic-induced work-from-home practices.

Remote work remains a linchpin for many in the technology sector, with 90% of respondents indicating it is crucial for their job satisfaction. Generational preferences highlight remote work's importance, with Gen Z (84%), Gen X (80%), and Millennials (79%) placing greater emphasis on it compared to Baby Boomers (71%).

Nicole Gorton, Director at Robert Half, emphasised the importance of flexibility: "The future of work is not about returning to the past. It's about finding new and innovative ways to meet the needs of both employers and employees. Flexibility is key to attracting and retaining top talent in the modern workforce. Employers need to be creative and adaptable in their approach to work arrangements. Depending on the industry and business operations, a hybrid model that combines in-office collaboration with remote flexibility can be a win-win solution for both parties."

Concerning salary incentives, the survey found that 25% of tech employees would accept a salary premium of between 1% and 10%, while 17% would require 11% to 20%. An additional 11% of workers would need more than a 20% increase to consider office-based roles. Conversely, 19% indicated they would return without a salary incentive, whereas 18% are unwilling to return even with additional pay.

Nicole Gorton further noted, "Many workers believe they deserve a premium for giving up the flexibility and autonomy of remote work due to commuting costs, potential childcare expenses and the loss of personal time which many consider are all factors that contribute to the financial burden of returning to the office full-time. In a cost-driven environment, however, premiums might not always be an option for employers. Instead of offering a salary increase, employers can instead focus on enhancing the office environment, offering career development opportunities and highlighting the benefits of an in-person work arrangement to make the return to the office more appealing."

The research indicates that flexibility in work locations could make or break employment decisions for tech workers, with 46% willing to turn down a job offer lacking such options, and 48% ready to resign. Conversely, not having the option to work at an office, at least partially, would push 28% to refuse a job, and 21% to consider leaving their current employer.

Gorton concluded, "Employees have experienced the benefits of remote work firsthand with many reluctant to give them up. To ensure top talent don't leave an organisation for this reason, companies should aim to strike a balance where workers still feel a level of autonomy and an in-office work environment that sparks enthusiasm, not dismay."

The survey data derives from a larger international workplace survey conducted in June 2024, assessing job trends among 1,000 corporate staff, including the 214 tech workers polled in Australia.