Calls are growing for the New Zealand government to allow public sector workers to work from home as rising fuel prices impact household budgets. Some private employers are also considering support options for their staff.
Fuel Prices and Work From Home Requests
Petrol prices have increased rapidly in recent weeks, driven by pressure on oil supplies related to the war in the Middle East. Some countries, including Vietnam and Thailand, have already encouraged citizens to work from home to reduce fuel consumption.
Fleur Fitzsimons, national secretary of the Public Sector Association, urged the New Zealand Government to follow suit. “We’re calling on the New Zealand Government to take note of these overseas examples and also encourage public sector workers in New Zealand to work from home,” Fitzsimons said. “Working from home in this environment has lots of benefits. It will reduce the demand on fuel. It will mean more workers are able to get by and don’t suffer the shock of increased petrol prices.”
Fitzsimons highlighted the financial strain on individuals, noting that 91 octane petrol has reached $3 a litre in some locations. “Government could easily indicate to the public sector that more workers should work from home and it would overnight have a difference for those people,” she said.
Private Sector Response
ANZ stated its flexible work policy allows most employees to work remotely up to 50 percent of the time. “We understand flexibility doesn’t mean the same thing for everyone and flexible arrangements will vary depending on the employee’s role, what part of the business they work in, where they are, personal circumstances, and available technology,” a spokesperson said. The bank added that staff needing assistance can discuss short-term support options with their managers.
Woolworths is monitoring the situation but is currently operating as usual. Fonterra offers flexible working arrangements for office-based roles and encourages employees to discuss their needs with their managers.
Alan McDonald, head of advocacy at the Employers and Manufacturers Association, suggested more employers may consider work-from-home options if fuel prices continue to rise or the situation persists.
Employee Rights and Requests
Employment lawyers have advised that employees can request to work from home even if it isn’t formally offered, particularly if facing financial hardship.
“You can always ask,” said Alastair Espie, at Duncan Cotterill. “The question is whether they have to say yes and the starting point will be they probably don’t necessarily have to. If your contract says your place of work is the employer’s premises or offices or site or whatever, then any deviation from that would need to be by agreement.”
Espie explained that a formal flexible working request is an option if an employer declines, but it’s a longer process. Alison Maelzer, a partner at Hesketh Henry, noted that a formal application provides a structured framework for consideration. “Many employers and employees will prefer to have a more informal conversation, at least in the first instance. Obviously, working from home will not be possible for all employees, in all roles. However, where a request can be accommodated, this may help employers with retention, employee engagement, and productivity.”
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