Remote Work

In reply to Mr BATTY (Bragg) (20 June 2024). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): I have been advised the following:

The South Australian public sector offers flexible working arrangements, including remote working, to attract and retain a productive, diverse and inclusive workforce.

To meet this longstanding commitment, individual agencies will have developed business continuity plans to ensure service delivery and productivity while considering the operational needs of teams and the circumstances of individual employees.

Remote working is not possible for most public sector employees as they work from dedicated sites to deliver essential services to the community. Other flexible working arrangements are available to these employees to balance work and personal commitments.

For other employees, their requests for flexible working arrangements, including remote working, are balanced against operational requirements, assessed in accordance with business continuity plans, and approved requests are expected to be reviewed regularly.

The greater use of mobile technology since the COVID-19 pandemic has enabled more opportunity for those employees who can work remotely to do so. These employees can access relevant systems and communications that underpin their productivity, regardless of location.

Technology has also helped managers remain connected with staff who work remotely and to lead hybrid teams where employees work across multiple locations. This connection allows managers to work with employees to continue professional development and promote employee engagement and collaboration within teams.

Every agency has a performance management and development system to optimise employee performance. Each system is tailored to suit the agency’s context, culture and workforce, and is based on guidance from the Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment (OCPSE).

OCPSE, through its leadership academy, also offers training to managers to engage, set direction, and manage employee performance, to supplement written resources for managers of employees working remotely.