On May 4, 2020, a panel discussion on ABC Mornings Melbourne hosted by Virginia Trioli brought together key figures from various sectors to discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on work practices and the economy. The panel included Alexis George, Deputy CEO of ANZ; Michele O'Neill, President of the ACTU; and Peter Konidaris, Melbourne Managing Partner at PWC.
The conversation began with an exploration of remote work's impact on productivity. Peter Konidaris noted that avoiding daily commutes has added time to employees' days, which "should have a positive impact on productivity." He also mentioned that PWC is developing post-COVID-19 travel policies with health and wellbeing as primary concerns.
Alexis George shared her perspective on the shift towards digital communication. While acknowledging the value of physical meetings, she stated that "the travel will be less as we look forward into the workplace." She emphasized that workplaces might evolve to focus more on collaboration spaces rather than traditional desk arrangements.
Michele O'Neill stressed the need for government intervention to rebuild the economy and create secure jobs. She highlighted concerns about rising unemployment and casualization in the labor market. O'Neill called for investment in community services and health services, emphasizing fair pay and conditions for workers.
The discussion also touched upon workplace health and safety issues related to remote work. Alexis George explained ANZ's measures to ensure safe home working environments for employees, including allowances for setting up home offices and mandatory training modules.
As businesses adapt to new working models, both Konidaris and George acknowledged the importance of maintaining a sense of community among employees. Konidaris suggested that while face-to-face interaction remains crucial, it may not be necessary five days a week.
The panel concluded with reflections on how these changes could affect city planning, public transport, and road use in the future.