Returning to the office: what it means for commuters and work locations

Meridian Australia
Apr 24
3 min read

Updated: Apr 28

The pandemic threw us all a curveball. It redefined where and how we work, upended traditional routines and forced us to reconsider career choices and the future of workplace design and location. As offices across Australia start to populate once again, there’s a pressing need to address what this shift means for commuters, employers, and property investors. From commute times to workplace flexibility and expectations, the post-COVID return to office life is reshaping our cities and our priorities.

What matters most to employees when considering their commute

For many, the daily commute is no longer a given but a calculated trade-off. Employees are seriously evaluating whether the time, cost, and energy spent commuting really align with the benefits of being physically present in the workplace.

Brad Wearne, General Manager of Meridian Australia, explains there are some key factors influencing this decision:

Work-life balance: “Employees now place a higher value on their personal time, often questioning if lengthy commutes are worth sacrificing precious hours away from family and lifestyle activities.”
Comfort and flexibility: “Workers are more willing to return to the office if they feel their needs are met, whether through staggered hours, better transport options, or hybrid employment options.”
Value of in-office time: “Post-COVID, there is more demand for meaningful, collaborative office experiences to justify the effort of showing up. Many will argue that tedious desk work can easily be done remotely.”

The pros and cons of Hybrid work

Hybrid work is a relatively new concept that has gained popularity post-COVID. It’s emerged as the middle ground for organisations and employees, offering the best (and sometimes the worst) of both worlds.

On the upside, hybrid work models increase flexibility, allowing employees to balance professional and personal responsibilities more effectively. It also improves productivity, as many workers find that a mix of focused remote work and collaborative in-office days boosts their output and expands the talent pool, allowing employers to hire top talent from outside their immediate geographical location.

On the downside, remote employees may tend to miss opportunities available to those more visible in the office, there can be challenges with technology and managing hybrid schedules, and boundaries can be blurred where some employees struggle to mentally separate work from home life, potentially leading to burnout.

For those returning to office life, proximity to transport hubs and shorter travel times have become top priorities, pushing demand for rental properties in well-connected urban and suburban areas.

However, hybrid work arrangements enable many to consider investing or living in more affordable outer suburbs or regional locations where they can balance their lifestyle aspirations with reduced commuting days. “This shift highlights a growing divide where renters favour flexibility and convenience near their workplace, whilst the focus of investors is on value, return on investment and quality of life further afield,” Brad explains.

The financial impacts of returning to the office

For employers, the return to the office has financial implications. On the one hand, operating costs rise as office spaces are utilised more regularly, with utilities and maintenance back in full swing. On the other, companies that embrace hybrid or remote models can reduce their office footprints, redirecting funds toward technology and employee benefits.

Brad suggests that, for property investors, the shift is just as profound. “CBDs are regaining traction, but the pandemic-induced migration to regional hubs has highlighted the value of decentralised office spaces,” he says. “Areas offering affordable housing, excellent transport links, and lifestyle appeal are seeing increased interest from both businesses and workers, creating new opportunities for savvy investors.”

The path forward

The return to the office isn’t just about the actual physical workspaces; it’s about reimagining workplace culture, the way we live, how we work, and how and where to invest. In Brad’s experience, he believes property investors must identify locations that cater to all these evolving trends. “Suburbs and regional hubs that offer proximity to transport, affordable housing, and vibrant communities are positioned for growth.”

At Meridian, we’re already helping our clients secure investment properties in precisely these locations. If you’re interested in learning more about where the next big opportunities are, reach out to our experienced team today.