What Australians expect from a workplace in 2022

September 23, 2022

The last two years have seen workplaces pivot and change so fast that it is hard to remember what the working environment was like pre COVID, but are we meeting the needs of our employees?


COVID-19 has changed so much about the way we work, and more than half of Australians are now expecting more from their employer than they did before the pandemic.


Employees are more acutely aware of whether businesses are truly committed to offering flexibility and work-life balance or whether they just say they are.


And we aren’t afraid to leave employers if they don’t meet our expectations with 38% of Australians surveyed recently by PWC in their The Future of Work: 2021 What workers want report, saying they were considering leaving their employer in the next 12 months.


How workplace expectations have changed?

COVID-19 forced people to really think about what they want in life and what work-life balance means to them. People have reevaluated what is important to them in both work and life and now expect their employer to support these goals more holistically.


What do employees want in 2022?


We look at seven of the most important things Australians are looking for from their workplaces in 2022.


Work/life balance


This is the top must-have for many people, with 42% of Australians surveyed by Atlassian in their return on Action Report 2021 said they would consider changing jobs in order to access flexible work options.


We anticipate that this will continue to be a key focus for employees as we even see global trials for a 4 day working week.


Flexible hours/schedule


Flexibility continues to be an increasingly valuable part of the employment value proposition.


Over the last two year the hybrid working model has become the new norm and employees are choosing to not apply for roles that don’t offer some sort of hybrid model, with 50% of Gen Y saying they would consider changing jobs to access remote work.


And it is not just about remote work and being empowered to work with autonomy for more control over our time and wellbeing.


Employees are expecting much more from the employers in supporting flexible schedules in order to meet caring responsibilities and allowing them to play more of an active role in their dependants lives; 49% of Australian employees identifying with having carer responsibilities. “People used to be grateful to be able to do a school drop-off once a week. That doesn't hold the weight that is used to.”  SEEK’s Resident Psychologist Sabina Read explains.


Renumeration and reward


Salary, including incentives, bonus and share schemes is still the third most important thing to employees when choosing a role/ employer. Employees in 2022 are expecting salary increases, and financial compensation packages to move in line with how they value their experience and role responsibilities.


Job security


40% of Australians have higher expectations around job security than before COVID. We are more hesitant to take a role that doesn't feel secure. It is important to employees that there is career progression and development and for them to feel that job security is valued by the employer.


Good working relationships


Employees want to feel heard by their employer, and work in more collaborative ways. People are looking for workplaces with a strong and defined culture that fosters connectivity and innovation, empowering development, and contribution beyond the role remit.


In today’s hybrid work model, it is more important for employers to help their employees understand how they can keep connected with their peers and provide more innovative ways to foster good working relationships within their team regardless of location.


Mental health support


People are mentally fatigued from the challenges they’ve faced and continue to face over the past two years. Employees are beginning to prioritise their mental health and happiness over their career progression.


People are looking for workplaces that care about them and their wellbeing, in fact almost 25% of employees value support of their wellbeing from their employer above all other factors and 69% of employees would turn down a promotion in favour of preserving their mental health. This trend is true across all age groups and income levels.


Social impact


Today, 74% of employees believe businesses and employers should be just as concerned with their social impact as their business objectives. An increasing number of the workforce will no longer accept a passive approach to social impact by businesses. 


People want to feel good about the businesses they work for.


Final thoughts


Much like how we have seen businesses pivot in their approach to marketing since the rise of digitisation to more customer centric strategies; the pandemic is doing the same for the workforce.


Employees are now demanding to be supported more holistically by their employers, and the role work plays in our lives has changed with many of us reevaluating our priorities and terms like ‘Quietly Quitting’ and ’the Great Resignation’ have come out of new attitudes to work.


And we don't think it is a bad thing. At helpz we believe if we look after our team, they will be best placed to achieve the best outcomes for our participants and the business.

News & Insights

Check Our Latest Resources

Celebrating Occupational Therapy Awareness Month: Meet the helpz OT Team

October 26, 2026
This Occupational Therapy Awareness Month, we're proud to celebrate the dedicated Occupational Therapists who support participants across helpz. Occupational Therapists play a vital role in helping people build independence, develop meaningful skills, overcome barriers, and participate in the activities that matter most to them. Their work extends far beyond assessments and recommendations, empowering individuals to achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives. At helpz, our Occupational Therapy team brings together a wealth of experience across mental health, physical disability, paediatrics, assistive technology, home modifications, early intervention, and capacity building. This month, we're shining a spotlight on some of the incredible clinicians who make up our growing team. Tran Vu | Senior Occupational Therapist & Practice Lead As helpz's Occupational Therapy Practice Lead, Tran Vu provides clinical leadership and support to our growing OT team while continuing to work directly with participants across a range of settings. Many participants and families may first hear from Tran during the onboarding process, where she helps ensure they are connected with the right supports to meet their individual needs. In addition to being an experienced Occupational Therapist , Tran is also a registered Behaviour Support Practitioner , providing her with a unique understanding of the interaction between environment, behaviour, participation, and quality of life. Having worked within the disability sector for more than nine years, Tran says she feels privileged every day to support participants to achieve meaningful engagement and participation in everyday life. She is passionate about the breadth of Occupational Therapy and the positive impact it can have across all stages of life. Tran supports participants in areas including: Assistive technology assessments and recommendations Home modifications Daily living skills development Sensory processing supports Capacity building and independence Functional assessments Behaviour support-informed occupational therapy interventions Her holistic and collaborative approach helps participants build the skills, confidence, and supports needed to achieve their goals and live meaningful lives. Fatima | Senior Occupational Therapist With over 13 years of experience providing assessment, intervention, and rehabilitation services across inpatient and community public health settings, Fatima brings extensive expertise in supporting adults experiencing mental health challenges. Throughout her career, she has worked alongside people at various stages of their recovery journey, from acute care through to recovery and remission. Fatima is passionate about helping individuals develop the skills, confidence, and strategies needed to enhance their independence, wellbeing, and quality of life. Her person-centred and evidence-based approach enables her to work collaboratively with participants, families, and multidisciplinary teams to achieve meaningful outcomes. Fatima's strong mental health background allows her to take a holistic view of each participant, considering their goals, strengths, and environment when developing supports. Outside of work, Fatima enjoys spending time with her family and exploring her passion for cooking. Kylee Mischefski | Senior Occupational Therapist Based in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Kylee Mischefski brings extensive experience across Family and Community Services and the NDIS environment. Kylee has supported people with intellectual and physical disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, and children with developmental delays throughout her career. Her areas of expertise include: Active support and capacity building across the lifespan Early childhood intervention Functional Capacity Assessments Environmental assessments Assistive technology assessments and recommendations Complex equipment and seating prescriptions Manual handling assessments and training Minor home modifications Vehicle access modifications Kylee is passionate about finding practical solutions that enhance independence and improve everyday participation for the people she supports. Cassie Smith | Senior Occupational Therapist Cassie has extensive experience supporting adults with physical disabilities through both health and disability services. Her expertise includes assistive technology, complex equipment prescription, home and vehicle modifications, manual handling assessments, and Functional Capacity Assessments. Cassie is known for her practical and participant-focused approach, helping individuals access the supports, equipment, and environments they need to maximise independence and quality of life. Eleanor Hughes | Senior Occupational Therapist With more than a decade of experience across private practice, specialist schools, early intervention settings, and academia, Eleanor Hughes brings significant paediatric expertise to helpz. Eleanor is passionate about supporting children and families through evidence-based and family-centred approaches. Her experience spans developmental assessments, early intervention, neurodiversity-affirming practice, and capacity building for children and their support networks.

Disability Awareness Hub: National Resources Worth Knowing About

October 26, 2026
National Resources Worth Knowing About Navigating disability supports can sometimes feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are several trusted national services available to help individuals, families, and carers access information, support, and advocacy. Disability Gateway The Disability Gateway is a free Australian Government service that helps people with disability, families, carers, and support workers find trusted information, services, and support. It provides guidance across a wide range of areas including housing, employment, transport, health, education, technology, legal rights, and everyday living. [disability...way.gov.au] , [health.gov.au] Website: www.disabilitygateway.gov.au Phone: 1800 643 787 Carer Gateway Carer Gateway provides free support and services for unpaid carers across Australia. Supports may include counselling, coaching, peer support, respite options, practical resources, and assistance navigating available services. [carergateway.gov.au] , [health.gov.au] Website: www.carergateway.gov.au Phone: 1800 422 737 Autism CRC Autism CRC is Australia's national autism research centre. Their website includes evidence-informed resources, practical guides, and information for Autistic people, families, educators, and professionals. It is a valuable resource for understanding neurodiversity and current Australian research. [aspect.org.au] Website: www.autismcrc.com.au  Occupational Therapy Australia Occupational Therapy Australia provides information about Occupational Therapy, professional resources, and educational material that helps people better understand the role OTs play in supporting participation, independence, and wellbeing. [otaus.com.au] , [otaus.com.au] Website: www.otaus.com.au

The Telehealth Experience: What to Expect and Why It Works

October 26, 2026
When most people think of allied health services, they picture sitting in a clinic room across from a therapist. Yet for many Australians, supports are increasingly being delivered through a screen, from the comfort of home. Telehealth has rapidly evolved from a temporary solution into a flexible and effective way for people to access Occupational Therapy, Behaviour Support, Psychology, Speech Pathology, and other allied health services. Research continues to demonstrate that telehealth can achieve outcomes comparable to in-person services for many assessment, coaching, consultation, and capacity-building interventions when delivered appropriately. [frontiersin.org] , [health.gov.au] But what does telehealth actually look like? It's More Personal Than People Expect One of the most common concerns people have before their first telehealth appointment is that it will feel impersonal. Interestingly, many participants report the opposite. Being at home often means people feel more relaxed and comfortable in their own environment. Therapists can also gain valuable insight into everyday routines, home setups, and real-world challenges that may not be visible in a clinic setting. Rather than removing connection, telehealth can sometimes strengthen it by allowing conversations and problem-solving to happen in the spaces where daily life actually occurs. What Happens During a Telehealth Appointment? While every service is different, a telehealth session generally looks much like an in-person appointment. Your clinician may: Discuss goals, challenges, and progress Observe activities within your home environment Provide coaching or skill-building strategies Review equipment or environmental setup Collaborate with family members, carers, or support teams Develop plans and recommendations together All you typically need is: A device with a camera and microphone A stable internet connection A quiet and comfortable space Who Can Benefit? Telehealth may be particularly beneficial for: People living in regional or remote areas Participants with mobility challenges Busy families juggling multiple appointments Individuals who feel more comfortable in familiar environments Support teams requiring collaborative meetings across locations Importantly, telehealth isn't an "all or nothing" approach. Many participants choose a combination of face-to-face and virtual appointments depending on their goals and circumstances. Getting the Most Out of Telehealth A few simple steps can help make sessions more effective: Have any questions written down beforehand. Test your technology before the appointment. Keep relevant equipment or paperwork nearby. Consider who may be helpful to attend the session. Be open with your clinician about what's working and what isn't. The most successful telehealth appointments are collaborative, practical, and tailored to the participant's needs. It's About Access, Not Distance At its heart, telehealth isn't simply about replacing face-to-face services. It's about increasing access, flexibility, and choice. Whether supporting someone in a metropolitan centre, regional town, or rural community, telehealth creates opportunities for people to receive high-quality support where they are, reducing barriers and helping them stay connected to the services that matter most.  At helpz, we have seen firsthand how telehealth can support meaningful outcomes, build strong therapeutic relationships, and help participants work towards their goals, wherever they call home.