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About the series
The NSW Remote Working Insights series explores how remote and hybrid working are changing the way we work. We explore:
- how many jobs in NSW could be done remotely and to what extent
- insights into time use, productivity, wellbeing and changing work preferences
- local and global research on how remote work affects industries, occupations and the wider economy
- case studies of organisations that have adopted innovative policies and initiatives to support remote and hybrid working.
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Remote Working Insights 2: Why hybrid is here to stay and how to seize the opportunities
Why the report matters
This joint report by the NSW Productivity and Equality Commission and the NSW Innovation and Productivity Council looks at how remote working in NSW changed in early 2021, once COVID-19 case numbers were low and restrictions had eased. It explores how many people continued to work remotely, and what this means for long-term work patterns across the state.
Remote work didn’t disappear after lockdowns. Instead, many people and employers chose hybrid work – combining days at home and days in the office. The report shows how this shift can benefit wellbeing, productivity and resilience across NSW.
What’s in the report
When restrictions eased in early 2021, around 30% of work tasks in the NSW economy were still being done remotely. This shows remote work remained common, even when in-person work was possible.
Benefits for workers included:
- less commuting time
- better daily wellbeing
- more flexibility to manage work and personal life.
Employers reported:
- easier access to a wider talent pool
- stronger employee engagement
- lower staff turnover and higher resilience.
Hybrid work became the preferred option. While people value working from home, most still want to go into the office for collaboration, team bonding and social connection. Employers and employees alike saw hybrid work as a win–win.
Leading organisations responded by rethinking how work gets done. They introduced:
- tailored flexible work arrangements
- new approaches to office use and team collaboration
- updated ways of measuring work outcomes
- programs focused on rebuilding team culture.
Remote Working Insights 1: Our experience during COVID-19 and what it means for the future of work
Why the report matters
The first report in this series covers how NSW adapted during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. It explains how workers and businesses managed a sudden shift to remote work and explores what this means for the future of jobs across NSW.
This period marked a large-scale trial of remote work. The findings helped shape ideas about flexible and hybrid models that support both business continuity and worker wellbeing.
What’s in the report
By May 2020, around 46% of NSW workers were working from home. The shift was fast, and for many, it was the first time working remotely.
The report used several sources to assess the impact:
- Predictive analytics from Faethm’s Artificial Intelligence Platform helped estimate how many jobs in NSW could be done remotely.
- A survey of 1,500 remote workers in NSW provided insights into time use, productivity, wellbeing and changing work preferences.
- A review of local and global research offered a balanced view on how remote work affects industries, occupations and the wider economy.
One key focus was the idea of a hybrid model, blending remote and on-site work. The report highlighted how this approach could deliver long-term benefits by supporting flexibility without losing the value of in-person connection.