One NZ staff protesting work-from-home policy shift

Published 30 January 2024

Can employees negotiate whether they work from the office or at home?

A ripple of discontent has emerged as One NZ call centre workers voice their concerns over proposed changes to the work-from-home policy. Formerly known as Vodafone, the telecommunications giant is now facing resistance from 115 employees represented by the Unite Union.

The bone of contention?

A requirement for some contact centre workers to return to the office three times a week, an extra day compared to their prior arrangement.

The discontent is not merely a grumble; it's a plea for understanding. One NZ employees argue that the increased office attendance not only impacts their personal lives but also places an unnecessary burden on the environment and their pockets. A disgruntled worker, choosing to remain anonymous, expressed frustration, saying, "Those travel costs really add up even with that one more day a week, that's four or five days a month that they then have to foot that additional cost for, just at the expectation of the company."

The plea is underscored by a desire for the company to acknowledge the sacrifices made, both in the figurative "blood, sweat, and tears" and the relentless dedication poured into meeting office requirements. The call is for empathy, recognising that work transcends the confines of job descriptions and extends into the personal realm.

Why does One NZ persist with office attendance amidst a shift towards remote work?

Union spokesperson John Crocker's perspective believes that this resistance is part of a broader trend. Companies across the nation are attempting to reel their employees back into the office. In a bold move, One NZ employees are challenging the changes, questioning the necessity of increased office attendance when it supposedly won't disrupt customer service.

While the protest action unfolds, the positive failure becomes apparent. The employees, supported by Unite Union, are ensuring that their voices are heard. Even as the company reassures that the protest won't affect customers, it highlights a disconnect between the corporate decision-makers and the workforce. Disregarding the changes themselves, the positive failure lies in the failure to recognise the genuine concerns of the employees, creating an opportunity for constructive dialogue and reconsideration.

How can One NZ strike a balance between employee needs and operational efficiency?

The best practice is a collaborative dialogue between management, union representatives, and employees to navigate these uncharted waters successfully. Embracing flexibility while ensuring productivity should be the guiding compass. The negotiations by One NZ management, One NZ employees and Unite Union, will be a good example for other companies attempting to navigate the delicate balance between remote work and traditional office setups.