In several countries, including the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and Canada, laws now allow employees to request remote work, which employers must fairly consider. However, Victoria in Australia is exploring a groundbreaking proposal that would give eligible employees the right to work from home two days a week, shifting the responsibility to employers to prove why remote work isn’t possible. This contrasts with other regions where the law only mandates a request and consideration process. While many companies worldwide are tightening return-to-office rules post-pandemic, Victoria’s plan has sparked a political and legal battle over government vs. employer control of work locations. Critics question the law’s constitutionality and its impact on employers’ management rights. Meanwhile, in the U.S., remote work laws are unlikely soon due to “at-will” employment and other labor priorities. The outcome of Victoria’s proposal could influence global views on whether flexible work is a right or a privilege.
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