Hybrid Work

According to a 2025 ISG Provider Lens® report, Australian enterprises are reshaping digital workplaces by integrating generative AI, hybrid work, and ESG initiatives. This shift emphasizes AI-driven automation, employee experience analytics, and sustainability. Hybrid work models are maturing, with over 80% of enterprises embracing them. Experience management is key, with a move towards experience-level agreements. The report assesses 37 providers across six quadrants, identifying leaders like Capgemini and HCLTech.

Google is modifying its “Work from Anywhere” (WFA) policy, limiting remote work outside the primary office location. Now, even a single day of remote work counts as a full week against the four-week annual allowance. This shift, implemented earlier this summer, doesn’t affect their hybrid work arrangement but restricts employees from using WFA for working from home or Google offices in different regions due to legal and financial considerations. This change aligns with a broader industry trend of tech companies pushing for increased in-office presence. The updated policy has sparked internal debate, with some employees finding the new rules “confusing”.

Microsoft is considering tightening its return-to-office policy, potentially requiring employees at its Redmond headquarters to work in the office at least three days a week. This signals a shift from the company’s flexible work arrangements implemented since 2020, which allowed many employees to work remotely up to 50% of the time. The policy change, potentially announced as early as September and implemented in January, contrasts with Microsoft’s earlier lenient approach compared to companies like Apple.