CBA Enforces Stricter Office Attendance Rules

Commonwealth Bank is tightening its office attendance requirements, mandating that employees stay for at least four hours per day. The move aims to curb "coffee badging," where workers briefly check in before heading home. However, this stricter policy could impact staff morale and fuel resistance to office mandates.

Employers across Australia have been pushing for a return to in-person work since pandemic-era remote policies became widespread. Commonwealth Bank had already required employees to spend at least half their working days in the office since mid-2023. However, some staff found ways to meet the requirement with minimal actual presence.

To address this, the bank quietly implemented the four-hour minimum at the end of last year. This change follows an earlier policy linking office attendance to bonuses and performance reviews. Other major businesses, including Woolworths, are also tightening their hybrid work policies, requiring office staff to be on-site at least three days per week.

While many companies are increasing office mandates, compliance remains a challenge. Survey data indicates the average number of required in-office days has risen slightly in 2025. Yet, actual attendance patterns don’t always align with these policies. The push to bring employees back is often framed as a way to encourage collaboration and optimise office space usage. However, resistance remains strong and enforcement tactics vary across industries.

Source: Australian Financial Review, HCA Mag, 7 News, News.com.au