Woolworths Mandates Three-Day-Per-Week Office Return for 10,000 Staff by October

Introduction
Woolworths, one of Australia’s largest retailers, has mandated that 10,000 support office staff return to the office for a minimum of three days per week by October. This move aligns with a growing trend among major corporations globally, as businesses reassess their hybrid work models to prioritize collaboration, innovation, and customer responsiveness. Currently, there is no formal requirement for in-office attendance, making this announcement a significant shift in policy.

Details of the Announcement
In a note to employees issued on Monday, Woolworths Group CEO Amanda Bardwell and Chief People Officer Caryn Katsikogianis emphasized the importance of fostering stronger in-person connections. “A key priority for us in 2025 is to create more opportunities for in-person connection to increase our responsiveness and better serve our customers,” they stated. The updated guidelines aim to strike a balance between business needs and employee flexibility, allowing staff to work remotely for up to two days each week.

This decision reflects Woolworths’ commitment to enhancing teamwork and communication while maintaining the benefits of remote work. With approximately 180,000 employees across Australia, the retail giant employs around 10,000 individuals in support office roles who will now be subject to the new policy.

Broader Workplace Trends
Woolworths joins a list of global companies rethinking their approach to remote work. Financial powerhouse JPMorgan Chase is reportedly planning a full-time office return for all staff five days a week, while Amazon and Tabcorp have also called employees back to physical workplaces. According to a KPMG CEO Outlook survey, 83 per cent of corporate leaders anticipate a complete return to the office within the next three years.

However, not everyone agrees with this trend. A recent report from the World Economic Forum suggests that working from home is here to stay, with over one-third of Australians regularly engaging in remote work. Employers are increasingly offering flexible arrangements to address labor shortages and skill gaps within the local talent pool. To attract international talent, 45 per cent of Australian businesses surveyed hope for changes to immigration policies, compared to a global average of 26 per cent. Additionally, nearly half (49 per cent) plan to offer cross-border remote work options, almost double the global average.

Challenges and Opportunities
The World Economic Forum highlights several challenges facing businesses operating in Australia, including skill shortages and evolving workforce expectations. Of the employers surveyed, 65 per cent cited skill gaps as a primary concern, while 45 per cent pointed to limited talent availability. In response, many organizations are exploring strategies such as tapping into diverse talent pools and expanding remote work opportunities to remain competitive.

For Woolworths, the introduction of clearer hybrid work guidelines underscores its effort to adapt to changing business demands while preserving employee well-being. By encouraging regular in-office presence, the company hopes to foster greater collaboration and alignment among teams, ultimately driving improved outcomes for both customers and staff.