By Nick Baker, CEO at Reflections Holidays, the largest holiday park group in NSW and the only one in Australia to be a certified social enterprise, and a firm believer that Life’s Better Outside.
The new policy in NSW, which now requires public servants to work from their employers office rather than from the cosy corners of their homes or the sunny spots of their favourite holiday retreat, signals a big change from the flexible work routines we’ve come to enjoy.
While this move is designed to boost productivity and team spirit, it’s worth thinking about how it might shake things up in the travel world – especially for those of us who’ve really leaned into the “work from anywhere” lifestyle.
Let’s face it, the flexibility of remote work has been a game-changer. Many of us have loved blending work with a bit of leisure, whether that’s catching up on emails from a beachside cafe or wrapping up a report with the sound of waves in the background.
It’s not just been good for our well-being, it’s also given a boost to regional economies, with holiday parks and local businesses reaping the benefits of our “workcations.” But now, this freedom may be coming to an end.
For those who’ve built remote work into their lives, heading back to the office could mean bidding farewell to those refreshing work spots, and for the travel industry, the ripple effect could be significant.
Fewer people might be booking those midweek getaways or extending their weekends if they’re tied to their office desks. While the private sector isn’t showing any signs of jumping on this back-to-the-office bandwagon just yet, office based workers’ pushback against the policy shows how much we value the freedom to work remotely.
If the NSW public sector experiment proves successful in terms of productivity or employee engagement, it could inspire other states to follow suit, making things even trickier for the travel sector.
As more people find themselves tethered to their desks, the travel industry might have to get creative to keep attracting visitors who once enjoyed the perks of remote work.
While the NSW public sector’s return-to-office is all about workplace efficiency and team bonding, we in the travel industry need to consider its broader impact.
As the landscape shifts, it’s crucial to explore new ways to entice people to travel, perhaps by enhancing wi-fi connectivity in scenic spots and promoting the idea of exploring spots closer to home.
