The workplace flexibility conflict

The workplace flexibility conflict

KALISSA: Hello, I'm well, thank you, Mark. How are you?

MARK SMITH: I'm good, thanks. So, this is a hot topic. What's been your experience with your clients regarding this issue?

KALISSA: Absolutely, you only have to turn on the media to see reports of companies forcing their employees back into the office. It's definitely a hot topic. Job seekers are ultimately wanting to have the choice for flexible working arrangements. So, what we're typically seeing when we're speaking with candidates is a hybrid model with two to three days working from home.

MARK SMITH: Have you seen much conflict? I know of a particular company that has only recently brought a broad sweeping claim to say, "Everyone's back in the office three days a week," and it's caused an enormous amount of issues between the management and the staff. Have you seen that?

KALISSA: Absolutely, and we definitely have, whether it's going more days in the office or there are even roles we're working on at the moment where it's five days in the office and there's no flexibility at all. So, a very wide range of scales there for the roles.

MARK SMITH: What about the resolution of those issues? Do you have any recommendations?

KALISSA: Absolutely. What we want to avoid is a blanket approach or communications that aren't one-to-one. Having those meetings where we can mitigate what's best for the employee and what's best for the employer and coming up with a solution that's mutually beneficial. What works for some might not work for others, so coming up with that consultation and a plan together is definitely my recommendation moving forward.

MARK SMITH: Communication, communication, communication. That's what it's about. If somebody wants to have a chat with you about their own personal circumstances, maybe they are in conflict with their employer and they're looking for a new opportunity, or if you're a hiring manager, how would somebody get in touch with you, Kalissa?

KALISSA: You can either call me directly on my line, which is 028270-9776, or shoot me through an email, which leaves on the screen as well. I would love to connect with you.

MARK SMITH: Fantastic. It's been great chatting with you. Thank you for coming on to P2P live. Let's move on to something that's probably a little bit different, and that's last week's Twitter poll. Let's check out the results.

Share our insights

Season Two

Join Group Managing Director Mark Smith for the latest insights into the employment and job seeker markets. Explore our hot jobs across New Zealand and some exciting opportunities abroad in Australia and the United Kingdom. This week, Mark is joined by recruitment expert Kalissa New to discuss the hot topic of the 'workplace flexibility conflict', and how it affects both jobseekers and hiring managers.

Mark, a qualified Accountant, began his career with Deloitte in the late 1980’s. In 1994, he decided to make a career change to the recruitment industry. During his early recruitment career with two listed recruitment entities, Mark recruited and managed teams in both temporary and permanent disciplines in the Sydney, Brisbane and London markets.

In February 2005, Mark established people2people with Manda Milling and Simon Gressier. Mark is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), a member of the Recruitment & Consulting Services Association (MRCSA) and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD).​