Two major companies have ended flexible working arrangements for staff and ordered employees to return to traditional office-based working.
Flight Centre and Dell issued a notice to workers informing them of the change, with Dell providing just four days warning for staff.
American tech giant Dell had previously been operating a hybrid work model, allowing employees to work from home two days a week, but has now shifted expectations by requiring all staff in the office five days a week.
Similarly, the travel agency Flight Centre has ordered employees to work in their offices and shops five days a week, but exceptions will be made if they are travelling.
In a memo sent to staff, Dell outlined the step back from flexible working would allow employees to “grow skills” in an office environment.
The company added: “Working remotely should be the exception rather than the routine.”
Similarly, a memo shared with Australian employees of Flight Centre outlined: “A key part of our culture is the ability to form connections together in person.”
Both notices affect staff employed by the companies in Australia, with roughly 1,500 working for Dell and thousands more working under the Australian-based Flight Centre.
Both companies join a growing list of big businesses which are drawing back from home working arrangements implemented during the Covid pandemic.
Last month, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy issued a notice informing employees of changing work expectations and warning staff to make any adjustments needed to work consistently from the office.
Jassy wrote: “Our expectation is that people will be in the office outside of extenuating circumstances.”
In the UK, Tesco, ASOS, Barclays, Boots and the Civil Service are among several high profile employers taking action to get staff back into office and reduce flexible working opportunities.
