Mid-Week Peak vs. Return to the Office

Feel put off by job opportunities with five days in the office? Told every recruiter and hiring manager you need to work at least 2 days from home?

You’re not alone. 

Now into our third year of WFH, where are we now?

Recent graduates will likely never know a job requiring five days in the office or at least very rarely have to partake in such working style, especially in marketing and advertising. 

With greater work life balance for parents and carers, the looming question of how the midweek peak or TWaTs (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday employees) will affect the world of work continues.

Based on Sydney train use, it’s clear Monday is the most popular work from home day according to the Sydney Morning Herald. 

Local business in the Sydney CBD are finding the demand quietest on Mondays and Fridays which was ordinarily the busiest days of the week pre-COVID. 

So, is it unreasonable to ask to work from home in your job search?

Most recruiters will ask your preference or expectations before revealing the role requires five days in the office. 

It’s important to remember that not all job search requirements will be met. Sometimes you have to sacrifice lifestyle to work on an interesting project or with a company that aligns with your values. Other times, you might be able to work remotely 80 percent of the time but find the work somewhat mundane. 

Whilst most employers respect you have many other responsibilities outside work. The meaningful social connection that can come from work can add to your support network and perhaps lead to a more collaborative and understanding team environment. The social capital built from relationships at work has the potential to translate into more career opportunities in the future whether it be your ideal remote role, a project that piques your interest or simply showing your commitment and compatibility with your role. 

Recent research from ABC shows that Monday could actually be the ideal day to work in the office. A quieter commute and quieter office offer ideal concentration time for deep work.

Take into consideration what other opportunities the job offers. Perhaps 3 or 4 days in the office won’t be as bad as imagined. Weigh up the other benefits and projects you’d be working on against your long-term career goals.

Keep your job search open and be flexible.​

Find more job searching tips on our website.