Money

Can Australian bosses force you back to the office?

Published

2 years ago

August 14, 2023

The recent shift by companies to require employees to return to the office has sparked discussions about the legality of such mandates.

Zoom, for instance, known for its remote work-friendly policies, has directed staff to return to the office for at least two days a week.

This shift is part of a broader trend, with close to 90% of Australian employers implementing mandatory in-office days, according to a survey by recruitment agency Robert Half.

The question arises: Can employers change their stance on remote work after initially directing employees to work from home? While in most cases the answer is yes, individuals have the right to advocate for flexible arrangements, provided they adhere to proper procedures.

Lawful direction

Employment contracts in Australia require employees, including those working on a casual or short-term basis, to follow “lawful and reasonable” directions from employers.

This legal requirement has been deemed “implied” by Australian courts in every employment contract. However, directives to return to the workplace must be considered “lawful and reasonable,” except in extreme cases where they conflict with government mandates or other laws.

Employees with legitimate reasons, such as health concerns, can contest returning to the office, and employers are obliged to provide a safe and considered plan for a return.

Failing to comply with such a direction may lead to disciplinary measures, including dismissal.

Consultation required

Consultation is required when a return-to-work directive impacts employees covered by awards or enterprise agreements. The Fair Work Ombudsman emphasizes that consultation involves giving notice, discussing proposed changes, sharing written information, and taking employees’ views into prompt consideration.

Workplace flexibility provisions in employment contracts, awards, or enterprise agreements grant employees the right to request work-from-home arrangements.

The Fair Work Act’s national employment standards also afford employees the right to request “flexible work arrangements” if they meet certain criteria, such as being parents, carers, disabled, or victims of domestic violence.

Employers can refuse flexible work arrangement requests only on “reasonable business grounds” after genuine consideration of alternative solutions.

Since June 6, 2023, employees have had the right to appeal to the Fair Work Commission, which has expanded powers to mediate, recommend, and even arbitrate disputes.

Money

Australia’s sharemarket set for weakest annual return in three years

Australia’s sharemarket set for weakest return in three years; gains from gold and critical minerals offset blue-chip losses.

Published

5 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Australia’s sharemarket set for weakest return in three years; gains from gold and critical minerals offset blue-chip losses.

Australia’s sharemarket is on track for its weakest annual return in three years, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index expected to finish 2025 up around 6 per cent. Investors are feeling the impact of major losses from blue-chip companies, including Commonwealth Bank and CSL, which have dragged overall performance.

Despite the slow year, certain sectors provided a boost. Gains were largely driven by surging gold prices and rising interest in critical minerals, helping offset some of the losses from larger companies.

Smaller companies in the resources sector outperformed their larger counterparts, highlighting a shift in investor focus towards niche opportunities and high-demand commodities.

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Money

US stocks surge amid AI hype despite market volatility

US stock market bounced back, S&P 500 up 16% in 2023, driven by AI excitement amid policy uncertainties.

Published

7 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Harvey Vargas

US stock market bounced back, S&P 500 up 16% in 2023, driven by AI excitement amid policy uncertainties.

The US stock market has experienced a rollercoaster year, with the S&P 500 nearly entering a bear market in April due to tariff concerns. Investor sentiment shifted following policy changes from President Trump, setting the stage for a dramatic rebound.

By June, the S&P 500 was hitting new records, fueled by excitement over artificial intelligence and its impact on the tech sector. Corporate profit forecasts improved, contributing to an overall annual gain of 16%, despite ongoing market fluctuations.

Yet, the S&P 500 still trails international markets, reflecting lingering policy uncertainties in the US.

Investors are watching closely to see how domestic and global factors will shape the next year.

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Money

Stocks rally ahead of Thanksgiving as markets log four days of gains

Markets gain momentum ahead of Thanksgiving, with the Dow up 388 points and Oracle rising 4% amid investor optimism.

Published

4 weeks ago

November 27, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Markets gain momentum ahead of Thanksgiving, with the Dow up 388 points and Oracle rising 4% amid investor optimism.

Markets are moving into the Thanksgiving break with strong momentum, as stocks notch four straight days of gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 388 points, while the S&P 500 added 0.9%, pushing both indexes toward their best week since June.

Oracle led major movers, rising more than 4% after Deutsche Bank reaffirmed its bullish outlook on the tech giant. Broad investor optimism continues building across sectors as economic data softens and earnings remain resilient.

All eyes are now on the Federal Reserve and what potential shifts in interest-rate policy may mean for the markets. U.S. markets will close Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday and reopen Friday for a shortened trading session.

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