The wet weather work from home rule most Aussies are firmly behind
Share this @internewscast.com
Exclusive: Most Australians agree employees shouldn’t have to go into the office during major rain events, according to an exclusive nine.com.au reader poll.
The nation has experienced a staggering number of extreme wet weather events over the last five years, from cyclones in Queensland, to flooding in Victoria and NSW.

Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane have been drenched by a series of heavy rainfalls, prompting many Australians to argue that employees shouldn’t be required to commute to the office under such conditions.

The wet weather work from home rule 66 per cent of nine.com.au readers can get behind.(The Age)

A survey conducted by nine.com.au, which included 962 participants, revealed that over 65% believe Australians should have the option to work remotely during significant rainstorms.

This opinion applies to intense or extended rainfall that far exceeds typical weather expectations.

Numerous respondents mentioned that allowing employees to work from home during these times enhances safety by reducing traffic congestion on rain-slicked roads.

Furthermore, some highlighted that it eases the burden on public transportation systems, which are often plagued by delays and disruptions during heavy rains.

Conversely, just 24% disagreed with the idea of remote work during major rain events, while 10% remained undecided on the matter.

Only 24 per were opposed to WFH arrangements during major rain events, and one in 10 said they were undecided.

”Working from home should only be approved in extreme circumstance at the employer’s discretion,” one reader told nine.com.au.

Another noted that “major rain events are not new and have been survived previously without major reconstruction of work requirements”.

Surprisingly, only 26 per cent of respondents approved of Aussie employees who can’t work from home getting extra pay or perks to come in during a major rain event.

There are many jobs that simply can’t be done from home, like nursing and building.

But 60 per cent of readers said they should just get on with the job when major rain events occur.

Just over one in four said they deserve extra pay or perks, such as compensation for extra travel time or the added risk of driving to the office in the rain.

One reader said “there should be some form of recognition for dedication to the job”, but was unsure what that might look like.

Nine.com.au readers were even more divided on office dress codes during downpours.

More that half said dress codes for workers who don’t wear a uniform should be relaxed during major rain events to allow workers to dress appropriately for the weather.

That could mean swapping heels for gumboots and suit jackets for water-resistant coats in a corporate office.

But one in three said it just wasn’t necessary.

“They should bring their work clothes in a separate bag and get changed once at work. Dress code is there for a reason,” one reader explained.

Another simply suggested employers “dish out umbrellas at the start of the week and tell them to grow up”.

The nine.com.au poll, which runs once a fortnight, canvases the views of the Nine audience on 9Nation, which is an online community of our readers and viewers.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Unpacking the Key Issues in the NDIS Overhaul

In Brief Roughly 160,000 Australians are set to lose access to the…
Emma Sleep mattress

Mattress Industry Leader Faces $15 Million Penalty for Deceptive Online Advertising

Mattress company Emma Sleep has been ordered to pay a $15 million…

Australia Boosts Fuel Reserves to Pre-Middle East Conflict Levels

In brief: Australia’s fuel reserves are now greater than before the US-Israeli…
Robert F Kennedy has doubled down on Donald Trump's incorrect maths.

Trump and Kennedy’s Baffling Math Claims: Unraveling the Controversial Calculations

The President of the United States has consistently asserted that his initiatives…
The Australian soldiers who fought epic battle in the 'forgotten war'

Heroic Australian Soldiers Recall Epic Battle in the Overlooked Korean War

Anzac Day falls 75 years after Australian soldiers fought a bloody battle…
The owner of a service station in Sydney has been left fuming after a truck driver stole close to $3000 worth of petrol in one hit.

Brazen Petrol Theft Sparks Outrage: Service Station Owner Fumes Over Fuel Heist

A Sydney gas station proprietor is up in arms after a truck…
Michelle Stalimeros (pictured) grew up in a 'chaotic' home where alcohol was woven into family life

Weekend Wine Habit Triggered Blackouts and Anxiety, Straining Marriage; Reflecting on Three Years of Sobriety

At first glance, Michelle Stalimeros appeared far from someone struggling with alcohol.…

Australian Women Confront Tough Decisions Amid National Crisis

in brief Experts are warning that the cost of living crisis is…

Woolworths Executive Announces Price Reductions Amid Evolving Inflationary Challenges

In brief: The supermarket giants are before Federal Court over accusations of…

UK Plans New Legislation to Prohibit Cigarette Sales for Those Born After 2008

In brief A rolling age ban means children and anyone born in…
Anzac soldiers

Partial Remains of Australian Soldiers from WWI Finally Laid to Rest Over a Century Later

The partial remains of eight Australian soldiers have been laid to rest…
Jade Elston

Adelaide Family Turns to Crowdfunding for Son’s Urgent Cancer Treatment: A Community’s Call to Action

An Adelaide family has found themselves seeking help from the kindness of…