A recent study conducted by global workplace creation experts, Unispace, has exposed a significant gap in perceptions between Australian employers and remote employees regarding the impact of working from home on career prospects.

The Unispace Global Workplace Insights report, titled "Returning for Good," unveiled that nearly 90% of Australian business leaders believe that employees who exclusively work from home face limited career prospects. However, only 56% of employees share this sentiment.

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The study, which encompassed data from 9,500 employees and 6,650 business leaders across 17 countries, including 500 Australian employees and 500 senior decision-makers in Australia, revealed that Australia has the largest disparity between employers and employees when it comes to the perceived impact of remote work on career advancement, including opportunities for promotions, bonuses, and salary increases.

Furthermore, the findings shed light on other areas of discord between Australian employers and employees. Approximately 64% of employees admitted experiencing periods of burnout, while a concerning 31% of employers failed to recognize this issue. Strikingly, 72% of business leaders believed that hybrid working models were enhancing employee well-being.

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Emma Forster Mitrovski, Chief Executive Officer at Unispace Australia and New Zealand, commented on the stark difference in perception between employers and remote employees, stating, "The results from our study clearly show that a deep divide exists between employers and employees when it comes to remote working and its impact on career progression."

As the world continues to navigate the changing landscape of work, these findings highlight the importance of bridging the gap in understanding between employers and employees. By addressing these disparities and fostering effective communication, organizations can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment that acknowledges the diverse needs and aspirations of their workforce.