Dear NAB CEO Mr Andrew Irvine,

We, the undersigned NAB employees, strongly oppose the proposed increase in mandatory office attendance.

To be clear: any move to scale back flexible working in 2025 is regressive and unnecessary. It disregards the realities of our lives and the efforts we have made to deliver results under hybrid arrangements.

Should the change go ahead, its impacts will be deeply felt, including with regards to:

• Family and caring responsibilities: Many of us have structured our lives around the flexibility NAB previously encouraged. Forcing more office time means disruption, stress, and a clear signal that family commitments come second to corporate image.
• Financial pressure: Commuting is not free. Increased transport, fuel, parking, and childcare costs will hit workers hard—especially in a cost-of-living crisis. The decision will deepen financial inequality between those who can absorb the cost and those who can’t.
• Mental health and morale: You risk driving down morale and engagement by imposing a one-size-fits-all mandate. The move will be seen as punitive and tone-deaf putting at risk our well-being.
• Workplace culture undermined: Trust and autonomy are the foundation of a healthy workplace. Imposing rigid office mandates will damage the very culture NAB claims to value. It sends a message: no matter how committed or productive you are, you’re not trusted unless you’re visible.

Together we have proven that flexibility works—for customers and colleagues alike. If this change proceeds, it will be seen for what it is: an executive-led decision that prioritises control over trust, optics over outcomes, and appearances over performance.

Mr Irvine, we call on you to show genuine leadership by:

1. Scrapping the proposed increase in mandatory office days. Employees have delivered outstanding results under current hybrid arrangements, including a $3.6 billion half-year profit.
2. Committing to working collaboratively with the FSU to develop improved, future-focused flexibility models that enhance productivity, inclusion, and wellbeing.

NAB's record profits don’t happen without the commitment of its workforce. We’ve shown up, delivered, adapted, and supported our customers through enormous change. We will not accept the erosion of conditions we've earned.

We urge you to reverse course now or risk escalating employee dissatisfaction and collective action that will make this a defining issue for NAB’s workforce and reputation.