Logitech ANZ Managing Director Damian Lepore has urged Victorian businesses to use the delay to the state’s proposed work-from-home laws as a planning window rather than a reprieve, warning that hybrid working is already becoming the default for Australia’s white-collar workforce.

The Victorian Government recently decided to push back the proposed work-from-home legislation to July 2027, giving employers additional time to prepare for changes to workplace arrangements.

“Hybrid working arrangements are now the expectation, not the exception, for Australian white-collar employees – they are not a COVID-era hangover. Regardless of legislative rubber-stamping, it is already the default operating model for many workers, and the bill would only formalise changes that are already well established,” says Lepore.

He argues the extended timetable should give businesses the opportunity to assess how their hybrid policies operate in practice, particularly when it comes to productivity, collaboration and workplace technology.

The comments come as businesses continue to grapple with the practical challenges of employees splitting their working week between corporate offices and home environments.

Lepore says the debate has moved beyond whether employees should be permitted to work remotely to how businesses can make hybrid working productive while supporting employee wellbeing.

“It’s often the practicalities that can present headaches – how these businesses can ensure their employees remain productive when they’re not in the office, and what they’re working with when they do,” he said.

“This reflects the larger debate about work-from-home in general, which has moved from ‘should we allow it’ to ‘how do we make it work well.’”

A key issue, according to Logitech ANZ, is the equipment employees have access to when working remotely.

The company argues that the home workspace has effectively become an extension of the corporate workplace, putting greater pressure on businesses to consider the quality of equipment provided to remote and hybrid workers.

“Because it’s no secret that the employee’s personal workplace set-up has become an employer responsibility, regardless of legislation making it official,” Lepore said.

“A lack of access to quality workplace peripherals isn’t a flexibility issue, but a productivity and well-being problem.”

The comments point to an expanding opportunity for workplace technology vendors and channel partners as businesses reassess the equipment required to support hybrid employees.

Webcams, headsets, keyboards, mice and other ergonomic peripherals are increasingly being positioned as productivity infrastructure rather than optional workplace accessories, particularly where employees are expected to participate in video meetings and collaborate remotely.

Lepore says businesses that invest properly in employee workspaces can see benefits extending beyond the technology itself.

“In my experience, organisations that invest properly in workspace ergonomics see reduced absenteeism, improved morale and measurable productivity gains,” he said.

“This holds true regardless of whether the employee works from home or in the office, and is something Victorian businesses should consider as legislative timelines change.”