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Research confirms the role of socio-demographic factors on work from home in Australia

The Bureau of Communications, Arts and Regional Research (BCARR) has released its findings on the effects of social, demographic and location factors on Work from Home uptake and capability in a new research report.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Work from Home (WfH) uptake rates surged significantly in Australia. WfH uptake rates have since declined, but WfH uptake remains much higher than it was pre-pandemic. As of early 2023, WfH uptake appears to be stabilising at just over 1 day per worker per week, nationally.

Our research shows that socio-demographic factors such as the worker’s age, educational attainment and disability status have a particularly important impact on work from home capability and uptake in Australia.

Additionally, the research suggests that employed individuals’ place of residence and place of work are also significant determinants of WfH capability and uptake.

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