Australians are making it clear that 2025 will be a year focused on work-life balance, according to a new study from leading flexible workspace provider Hub Australia.
The study found that Australian workers are prioritizing their wellbeing over their work, with almost one-third (30%) aiming to set stricter boundaries in the year ahead.
Despite larger companies reinstating working-from-office mandates, the preference among Australians towards flexible work arrangements isn’t diminishing, with over a quarter (26%) of workers saying they’ll look for a job that offers more flexibility this year.
At the same time, three in four Australians admit they are unlikely to take regular lunch breaks in 2025, underscoring the need for a significant workplace culture shift to help workers take basic steps towards better balance.
Generational differences also influence attitudes. Gen Z workers (22%) are twice as likely to increase their time in the office compared to those aged 55 and over (9%), reflecting how different stages of life and career influence priorities.
Younger workers may seek in-office opportunities to build relationships and advance their careers, while older workers prioritize flexibility they have built in via their established routines.
“It is clear that despite Right to Disconnect laws, Australians are still grappling with setting boundaries between their work and personal life and employers could be doing more to support their teams. It also highlights the systemic cultural changes needed in the majority of workplaces. To put it simply, businesses aren’t doing enough in the way of flexibility,” said Hub Australia CEO Brad Krauskopf.
“In 2025, employers need to commit to supporting the actual needs of workers by prioritizing employee wellbeing and flexibility, to attract and retain the best talent. Businesses need to understand the physical workplace has moved far beyond just a desk to sit at and work nine hours a day, 5 days a week. The best workspaces are the ones that make the commute worth it with experience you cannot get at home,” said Krauskopf.
Hub Australia’s national network of flexible workspaces reflects this ethos. Their spaces combine energy-efficient designs with wellness programs, fostering collaboration and a sense of community. This approach makes returning to the office truly worthwhile for today’s workers.
___________________________________
About Hub Australia
Founded in 2011, Hub is Australia’s largest privately-owned flexible workspace operator, providing premium workspace solutions to help people love where they work. With locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, and Adelaide, Hub’s beautifully designed serviced workspaces are used by hundreds of businesses to attract and retain the best talent, with a diverse range of amenities and benefits for its 3,000+ members.
