Remote work means Aussies are still flocking to regional and rural areas

Moreover, the study found that men (55 per cent) were more inclined to relocate compared to women (36 per cent). 

Kylie Baullo, the managing director at ADP, explained that soaring living costs and inaccessible housing markets have driven a major shift in people’s interest in relocating. 

“The high cost of living in major cities has made rural and regional areas more appealing, especially to younger workers,” Mrs Baullo stated. 

Notably, she pointed out that remote working in the last few years has given workers the drive to search for a change of scenery. 

“The last few years have given some employees the confidence that remote work is viable for them. This has opened up a plethora of opportunities to relocate and pursue a better quality of life, affordable housing, and new job opportunities,” she explained.

The findings of the report showed exposure to working from home was an important influence on whether people wanted to relocate, with those who worked from home (58 per cent) being almost three times more likely than those who were not (20 per cent) to want a sea or tree change.

Across the age groups, over half, or 54 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds and nearly two-thirds stated that they would consider quitting if forced to go back to the office full time. 

This percentage scales higher among 25 to 34-year-olds, out of which 64 per cent stated they would turn their back on their employer if mandated to report on-site for the entire work week, with the report highlighting the strong correlation between the desire to relocate and the demand for flexible working models amongst the younger age bracket. 

Meanwhile, 46 per cent of the 45 to 54 age bracket and only 27 per cent of those aged 55 and over reported a similar choice when facing the same scenario. 

But with office occupancy now at its highest level since the pandemic began in the country, partially thanks to less-accommodating work-from-home policies, ADP suggested employers be “best prepared for a hybrid workplace”. 

“Businesses should look to offer remote work options. With the potential for multiple employees moving at any given time, and the variety of payment conditions that can occur in different locations — both domestically and overseas, working with a payroll expert to manage smooth transitions is important,” Mrs Baullo stated. 

With flexible working “here to stay,” Mrs Baullo said that businesses must “embrace and plan for a dispersed workforce”. 

“This dispersed workforce creates a win-win for employees and employers. Employers can access a greater talent pool in opening up new geographies to source grassroots talent from,” says Mrs Baullo.

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