Small business owners worried about work-from-home laws
Menka Michaelides can’t help but worry about how her business will cope with plans to legalize the right to work from home.
A small business owner believes laws coming into force in Victoria from September 1 will create a “two-tier” system in workplaces and separate employees who can work from home from those who cannot.
Prime Minister Jacinta Allan said the changes would do the opposite, helping workers save money, reduce commute times and increase workforce participation.
All businesses will be included in the policy to legislate the right for employees to work from home two days a week if they are reasonably able to do so under the provision in the Equal Opportunities Act.
The proposed laws are a cause for concern for Ms Michaelides, who owns and operates Pro Repair Auto Care Center in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.
“This will create a two-tier situation where management staff will have the opportunity and right to work from home. But blue-collar workers will also have to come on board,” he told AAP.
“This will create division and add another layer to our business, making it harder to get things done.”
The business owner also expressed concerns about red tape, including the responsibility of ensuring employees have a safe workspace while working from home.
“We are a safe business, we have occupational health and safety standards and we have signage and equipment to ensure this type of incident doesn’t happen. But how do I ensure this happens at home? I can’t control that,” Ms Michaelides said.
“We will still take responsibility for it.”
While it’s not yet clear who will fall into this category, the policy only applies to employees who can “reasonably” do their jobs from home.
Swinburne human resources management expert Peter Holland told AAP: “You can’t be a cashier in a small store and expect to work from home, but if you’re a back office worker do you need to be at work every day?”
“The mandate will be for companies that are a little bit stubborn – my way or the highway.”
Professor Holland said small businesses could benefit from providing flexibility to workers in a tight labor market and compared the reforms to Australia’s introduction of paid maternity leave in 1973 and superannuation in 1992.
On Tuesday, the prime minister said the proposed laws would apply to businesses of all sizes.
He said an exemption for small businesses would be considered when a consultation period was launched in August.
The legislation will be introduced to the Victorian parliament in July.
“Working from home works for families because it saves time, money and allows more parents to work,” he said.
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said she supported working from home but demanded more details from the government.
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