It is becoming increasingly clear that while the location of work has changed to incorporate hybrid working, ways of working and managing have only changed in a limited way. The authors of this report are aware that the Australian public service (APS) is focused on identifying lessons arising from working through the pandemic and is actively examining the future of work. While these considerations are occurring, managers and supervisors may be more focused on current work, rather than future possibilities, leading them to undertake business as usual. Further consideration could be given to whether agencies are maximising the opportunities associated with new ways of working, to benefit individuals, teams, and agencies. The new world of work provides opportunities to experiment with how work is done in various locations, and the best ways to undertake work for enhanced performance.

Overall, the researchers find that hybrid working in the APS is effective towards meeting the needs of organisations, managers, teams and individuals. Productivity does not appear to be impacted by hybrid working, and giving employees more autonomy, with flexibility, has resulted in sustained productivity, as well as employee engagement. Nevertheless, there are some challenges which may need to be resolved, such as how to manage performance, and have difficult conversations virtually. Maximising the opportunities enabled by working in different locations, and experimenting with ways of working hybridly may be the next step forward in working for the APS, as well as for other sectors.