Many of Ferguson’s clients that had adopted the hybrid model have temporarily walked back their ‘2/3’ structure and have scrapped mandatory office days in favour of increased flexibility, she added.

Communications agency founder Patrice Pandeleos last week pulled back on the 10-person company’s mandatory office attendance of one day a week.

“Now with the new wave, we’re happy for them to work at home as they see fit. If they’re not comfortable to come to the office, they don’t have to,” Pandeleos said.

She also observed that the population in general had learnt to “live with COVID” and were less proactive with testing than at the onset of the pandemic, making it more imperative that people stay home to avoid the risk of infecting colleagues and their families.

Pandeleos said her concerns also included infection risk from catching public transport and touching items like doorknobs in common spaces like shared bathrooms.

Both company founders said the relaxation of the hybrid work policy would be indefinite and until COVID cases eased.

The workforce at large has learned to become more adaptable to the constantly changing circumstances, said Ferguson, but added that the start-stop nature was difficult for employers.

“For us and the clients we work with, it’s pretty frustrating because we’ve all been looking for more momentum after the last couple of years.”

Daily rain along the east coast and disruptions across Sydney’s rail network due to industrial action have also contributed to overall reluctance to commute to offices, she added.

Other organisations, like advocacy group Business NSW, have continued to encourage employees to come into the office and are advising them of precautions such as wearing masks on public transport, staying up to date with vaccinations, and maintaining social distancing.

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“Business NSW continues to support hybrid working, but we are encouraging our teams to come together in the workplace more often and find a balance that suits the goals of each part of the business,” said Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter.

“Like all businesses we are talking to our employees about what the balance between workplace flexibility and face-to-face engagement within teams looks like during and after COVID.”

Larger employers such as Canva said they would not change their flexible work arrangements.

“Our team is empowered to make their own decisions on where they work - whether that’s in our offices or from the comfort of their homes,” said a Canva spokesperson.

“We don’t have any requirements for the amount of time spent in an office.”

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