Survey finds working from home is better, says Tesch

The move to working from home in response to Covid-19 has allowed many Peninsula residents to find a better balance between work and home life, according to Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch.

Ms Tesch said she had been conducting a work-from-home survey to get an idea of how the community felt about the changes and what can be done to support local workers.

"When you're commuting, a nine-to-five work day can turn into a 12 hour work day very quickly," Ms Tesch said.

"Since lockdown many of our commuters have started to work from home allowing them to spend more time with their children and family, enjoying the beauty of the local area and supporting our local economy," she said.

Ms Tesch said statistics indicated that working from home was a win-win for the local community.

"Commuters usually shop where they work so working from home will give a much needed boost to our local businesses who have been working hard throughout Covid," she said.

"It's been a win-win for local families, and it is something almost 85 per cent of our respondents would like to keep doing at least a few days a week post-Covid."

She said that 92 per cent of respondents said they enjoyed the reduced commuting time, with 61 per cent confirming they were able to maintain a better work-life balance, and almost 80 per cent of respondents indicating they were satisfied with working from home.

Ms Tesch said the results were a clear indication that working from home should stay.

"An overwhelming majority of respondents prefer working from home.

"As we emerge from Covid, I think it is crucial we think about how we can keep this system going.

"With the rising cost of childcare, working from home a few days a week could even assist in closing the gender gap, allowing parents more flexibility in arranging their children and sharing responsibilities.

"I am collating more evidence to show the positive impact of working from home for regional workers and local economies.

"We have proven it can be done, but now we need to lock in the change."

Ms Tesch said the survey could be accessed at https://www.research.net/r/WorkFromHomeSurvey2020

SOURCE:

Media release, 26 Nov 2020

Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford