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H.I.R.E.D - Help, Inform, Reflect, Empower, Develop · Nov 10, 2025 · 50 min

Working From Home: Productivity, Flexibility and the Future of Work | H.I.R.E.D Podcast | Season 1 Episode 5

Working from home has transformed the way many people work, but the debate over remote and flexible work continues. Does working from home improve productivity? Why are some organisations encouraging employees back to the office? And how can employers and employees find the right balance? In this episode of H.I.R.E.D (Help Inform Reflect Empower Develop), Trevor and Paul are joined by Susan Mackay to explore the advantages and challenges of working from home. Drawing on more than a decade of experience leading major digital, mobile and internet banking transformations, Susan shares practical insights into flexible work, leadership and building a successful career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As an early adopter of remote work, Susan discusses why trust, adaptability and organisational culture are critical to making flexible work successful. The conversation also explores the benefits of reduced commuting, greater employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and how remote work can broaden an organisation's talent pool. As always, the discussion is balanced with practical advice, honest opinions and the humour that H.I.R.E.D listeners have come to expect. The pros and cons of working from home. Why some organisations are encouraging employees back to the office. The relationship between remote work and productivity. The importance of trust, flexibility and workplace culture. How working from home can improve work-life balance. The opportunities flexible work creates for people with disabilities and employers seeking broader talent. Working from home Remote work Flexible work Hybrid work Productivity Work-life balance Leadership Company culture Career development Future of work Whether you're working remotely, considering a hybrid role, managing distributed teams or looking for your next career opportunity, this episode offers practical insights into one of the biggest workplace changes of recent years. If you have a question, feedback or an idea for a future episode, we'd love to hear from you at podcast.hired@google.com. H.I.R.E.D is an Australian careers podcast helping job seekers, recruiters and employers navigate today's changing world of work through practical conversations, expert guests and real-world experience.

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Working from home has transformed the way many people work, but the debate over remote and flexible work continues. Does working from home improve productivity? Why are some organisations encouraging employees back to the office? And how can employers and employees find the right balance?

In this episode of H.I.R.E.D (Help Inform Reflect Empower Develop), Trevor and Paul are joined by Susan Mackay to explore the advantages and challenges of working from home. Drawing on more than a decade of experience leading major digital, mobile and internet banking transformations, Susan shares practical insights into flexible work, leadership and building a successful career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

As an early adopter of remote work, Susan discusses why trust, adaptability and organisational culture are critical to making flexible work successful. The conversation also explores the benefits of reduced commuting, greater employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and how remote work can broaden an organisation's talent pool.

As always, the discussion is balanced with practical advice, honest opinions and the humour that H.I.R.E.D listeners have come to expect.

  • The pros and cons of working from home.

  • Why some organisations are encouraging employees back to the office.

  • The relationship between remote work and productivity.

  • The importance of trust, flexibility and workplace culture.

  • How working from home can improve work-life balance.

  • The opportunities flexible work creates for people with disabilities and employers seeking broader talent.

  • Working from home

  • Remote work

  • Flexible work

  • Hybrid work

  • Productivity

  • Work-life balance

  • Leadership

  • Company culture

  • Career development

  • Future of work

Whether you're working remotely, considering a hybrid role, managing distributed teams or looking for your next career opportunity, this episode offers practical insights into one of the biggest workplace changes of recent years.

If you have a question, feedback or an idea for a future episode, we'd love to hear from you at podcast.hired@google.com.

H.I.R.E.D is an Australian careers podcast helping job seekers, recruiters and employers navigate today's changing world of work through practical conversations, expert guests and real-world experience.

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