A recent spike in e-scooter incidents between December 6 and December 7 resulted in at least 12 people being transported to hospital across Queensland,. Data compiled from the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) shows that patients required hospital transport in every reported case during this period. The frequency of these incidents highlights the growing number of e-scooter emergencies paramedics are attending across the state,.   The incidents spanned diverse locations, including major metropolitan and regional areas such as Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Townsville, Mackay, Ayr, Cannonvale, and Cape Tribulation.   Life-Threatening Head Injuries Reported   While most patients were reported to be in a stable condition,, one person suffered significant life-threatening head injuries following an incident in Aroona, on the Sunshine Coast, around 12:24 pm,. This critically injured patient was transported to Sunshine Coast University Hospital. QAS data emphasizes that injuries stemming from these incidents range from minor falls to serious, life-threatening trauma.   Collisions with Vehicles and Pedestrians   Several incidents involved collisions, including those with vehicles and pedestrians.   On the Gold Coast, a stable patient was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital after an e-scooter crash in Surfers Paradise at 9:32 am,. Just 26 minutes later, another stable patient was transported to the same hospital following a collision between an e-scooter and a pedestrian in Biggera Waters,.   Vehicle collisions also accounted for multiple hospitalizations later that day. In Wavell Heights, a stable patient was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital following a vehicle and e-scooter collision at 4:47 pm,. Minutes later, at 4:58 pm, two stable patients were transported to Mackay Hospital after a similar vehicle-related crash in West Mackay,.   Statewide Incidents Detailed   The incidents continued across Queensland into the following day. In Brisbane, two incidents were recorded: one stable patient was taken to Mater Hospital following a crash in Brisbane City at 2:34 pm,, and another patient with a hand injury was transported to the same hospital following an incident in South Brisbane at 12:54 pm the following day,.   Other patients were hospitalized following falls in remote and regional areas. A stable patient was taken to Proserpine Hospital after falling from an e-scooter in Cannonvale,, and another stable patient was transported to Mossman Hospital following a fall on Cape Tribulation Road in Far North Queensland,. Incidents in the Townsville area included falls in Kirwan and a separate incident in Condon, with patients taken to Townsville University Hospital,.   Another stable patient was transported to Ayr Hospital following an e-scooter incident on Gibson Street at 5:05 pm,. This comprehensive snapshot of incidents reinforces that paramedics are seeing a high volume of e-scooter-related injuries.  

As Australia prepares to become the first country to enforce a social media ban for teenagers under the age of 16 in December 2025, technology giant Meta will today begin deactivating the Facebook, Instagram, and Threads accounts of users it believes are affected.   A new report launched by the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) warns that this landmark policy, while intended to protect young people from online harms, severely risks the settlement success and well-being of multicultural and newly arrived teenagers. The report, titled Blocked: The Social Media Ban, Multicultural Young People and Settlement, highlights that a blanket ban alone will not solve digital safety concerns.   The CMY conducted consultations with young people, families, and frontline workers to explore the potential impacts of the ban. Key findings show that social media is integral to the lives of newly arrived young people. It functions as a primary tool for maintaining vital connections with family and friends overseas and for building new friendships and social networks in their new Australian home. Furthermore, these platforms are essential for accessing information about local services, events, and opportunities, making them the most accessible way for some to gain relevant support.   The report warns that the ban risks “digital exclusion,” which could cause harm to mental health, increase social isolation, and disrupt successful settlement outcomes for these youth. Although experiences of racism and cyberbullying are common on social media, the platforms also provide crucial opportunities for solidarity, support, and collective action.   Multicultural young people and their supporters acknowledge concerns regarding social media addiction and excessive screen time. However, the report stresses that outright bans are unlikely to change behavior, suggesting that additional measures are necessary to support healthy digital behaviors. Newly arrived and multicultural young people emphasized their desire to participate in finding solutions, seeking opportunities to contribute to policy development and to co-design digital safety initiatives.   To mitigate the likely negative impacts of the Social Media Ban, the CMY report outlined several evidence-based recommendations for governments, policymakers, and communities:   Policy Participation: The Australian Government and State/Territory Governments must ensure young people are given the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to legislation and policies that impact them.   Digital Inclusion: Digital inclusion must be included as a core settlement outcome for young people. This would ensure that pathways—both digital and non-digital—for building social connections are accessible to those under 16.   Online Protections: The Government must strengthen protections against online racism and discrimination, requiring stronger moderation of content and algorithms. This includes requiring social media platforms to implement content and algorithm filters, enforce content moderation to block hateful material, and ensure content is removed immediately.   Literacy Support: Digital literacy support must be enhanced for multicultural and newly arrived communities and young people.   Community Investment: The Government must engage with and invest in existing culturally inclusive online ‘third spaces’ and community-led digital belonging initiatives.   The findings highlight that while protecting young people online is essential, addressing digital safety for multicultural youth requires nuanced strategies that acknowledge their unique reliance on platforms for connection and settlement, rather than relying solely on preventative measures. The ban, without sufficient accompanying support, acts like cutting off a vital communication lifeline for newly arrived individuals who are still learning to navigate a new environment.  

Holy Spirit Parish in New Farm has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first in the Archdiocese of Brisbane to successfully fundraise for and welcome a refugee family. This pioneering effort was carried out through the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot, with New Farm being the first parish to officially support the Refugee Sponsorship Initiative program.   Parish priest Scalabrinian Father Luis Antonio Diaz Lamus credited the achievement to the parishioners who supported the decision to use previously raised funds to help a Catholic family from Latin America. Fr Lamus, whose Scalabrinian Missionaries order is dedicated specifically to migrants and refugees, noted that the initiative aligns perfectly with their charism.   The parish committed to providing robust support, funding the family’s rent, ongoing expenses, and a weekly allowance until they move onto government benefits. Fr Lamus emphasized the deep bond being formed, stating, “The idea is that for a year at least we are the family for them,” with hopes of continuing the friendship for a long time.     A ‘Christmas Miracle’ in New Farm   The family, who has been settling in for a few months, shared their immense gratitude. One of the children, Diana (whose name was changed to protect her identity), described their resettlement as a “Christmas miracle of their own”. She recalled the difficulty of life in their previous home, explaining, “The salary in the country that we used to be in before was really low, so we were not able to buy a Christmas tree”. Now, the family is eagerly looking forward to buying and decorating one this Christmas.   Diana noted that their journey to Australia had taken two years, and it was their faith that sustained them. “God will never let you be in the rain forever. We knew (there) was going to be a rainbow soon,” she said.   Diana is already integrating into the community, learning to navigate public transport, attending English lessons at TAFE, and completing a degree online. She previously participated in charity drives back home and hopes to become more involved with the Church in Brisbane. She added that the family now has “a home that we can call a home”.     Goodwill Extends Beyond the Parish   The effort benefited from significant community generosity. Fr Lamus oversaw the finding of the family’s first rental, aided by connections within both the Latin American and parish communities. All necessary household items were donated.   Evelyn Chapman, one of the five members on the resettlement committee, witnessed this immense goodwill firsthand. She recounted that when she went to buy new beds and mattresses, the shopkeeper gave them to her for free after learning they were for a refugee family. Similarly, when she went to pick up two used bikes, a neighbour learned of the cause and donated a table and a TV, all at no cost. There has simply “just been goodwill,” Mrs Chapman said.   Steph Jorna, Inclusion project officer, celebrated the parish’s success, highlighting the power of generosity to build relationships and transform communities. She hoped that other parishes and communities would be inspired by New Farm’s example to support refugee settlement in their areas. Fr Lamus shared this hope, urging other parishes to join the initiative.   This local achievement occurs as Australia prepares to welcome its one millionth refugee since the Second World War by the end of 2025. Church leaders have encouraged Australians to respond to the growing immigration debate with compassion and hope, reminding the public that social cohesion is central to making Australia “a good place”. Source: catholicleader.com

The Brisbane 2032 Organizing Committee has officially launched its guiding aspiration for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games: Believe. Belong. Become. Brisbane 2032. This Games Vision is designed to serve as the aspirational guide and framework for the delivery of the Games, acting as the “north star” for the committee and helping to shape every decision leading up to and beyond the opening ceremonies.   The vision, which is expected to inspire and motivate, ensure accountability, and attract investment, was developed following the largest consultation program yet delivered by Brisbane 2032. Input was gathered from more than 6,000 people from across Australia and the world, with roughly half of the participants hailing from Queensland. Ideas poured in from busy metropolitan areas to remote red-dirt communities, involving over 37 stakeholder groups and generating more than 1,300 ideas that helped shape the powerful statement.   Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander stated that the Crisafulli Government is committed to delivering a Games for all of Queensland. Minister Mander emphasized that the 2032 Games represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase the very best of Queensland on the world stage. The vision captures the state’s drive, ambition, and belief in what is possible, setting a clear direction for the Games’ representation, and reinforcing that “everyone belongs and is welcome to enjoy sport in our great State”.   Beyond the sporting competition, the 2032 Delivery Plan is intended to connect Queensland by building essential roads and generational infrastructure for decades to come, while also backing the tourism sector and grassroots sporting clubs. The Games Vision highlights the importance of seizing this significant economic opportunity and the role the events will play in inspiring more Queenslanders to be active.   Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee President Andrew Liveris noted that the Games Vision, alongside its accompanying beliefs, commitments, and values, is a guiding aspiration for the years ahead. Mr. Liveris explained that the chosen phrase has significant symbolism, reflecting actions already seen daily across communities in Queensland and Australia. He asserted that when the moment arrives on the world stage, local belief, grit, and spirit will shine through, the sense of belonging will be celebrated and shared, and the state will rise to “become an even greater city, state and nation to visit, invest in and be part of, thanks to the gift of the Games”.   The three core concepts are defined as:   Believe: Represents believing in the power of sport and the Australian spirit to unlock limitless potential, grit, and heart. Belong: Ensures that everyone is welcome and celebrated, fostering a playing field that is fair, fun, and full of connection. Become: Signifies that this is a moment to harness the magic of the Games to become stronger and step boldly into an exciting new era.   Mr. Liveris concluded that excitement is building, and the committee is determined to ensure that in 2032, the eyes of the world see the very best of Queensland, led by a Games Vision that “unites, excites and inspires”. The Vision serves as a call to action, inviting every Australian to “believe in the power of sport, belong to something bigger, and become part of history”.

  Federal Court Orders Penalty After ACCC Action Targets Exclusive Deals with Telstra and Optus   Google Asia Pacific has been ordered by the Federal Court to pay a penalty of $55 million for engaging in anti-competitive conduct related to the pre-installation of Google Search on Android mobile phones. The proceedings were initiated by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).   The anti-competitive conduct stemmed from understandings Google reached with Telstra and Optus, which were in place between December 2019 and March 2021. These arrangements required the telecommunications companies to only pre-install Google Search on the Android phones they sold to consumers, effectively locking out other search engines. In exchange for this exclusivity, Telstra and Optus received a portion of the revenue generated by Google from ads displayed when consumers used Google Search on the devices.   Google admitted it had engaged in anti-competitive conduct that had the likely effect of substantially lessening competition, and the company cooperated with the ACCC by making joint submissions regarding penalties.   ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh stated that the penalty is intended to serve as a powerful warning to all businesses. “This penalty should send a strong message to all businesses that there are serious and costly consequences for engaging in anti-competitive conduct,” Keogh said. He emphasized that Australia’s market economy depends on businesses competing freely, which is why “locking out competing businesses in a way that substantially lessens competition is illegal”.     Undertakings Restore Search Choice   In addition to the financial penalty, steps have been taken to remove the restrictive agreements. On August 18, 2025, Google and the US-based Google LLC provided the ACCC with a court-enforceable undertaking. In this commitment, they pledged to remove certain pre-installation and default search engine restrictions from Google’s contracts with both Android phone manufacturers and telcos.   This commitment follows court-enforceable undertakings previously provided by Telstra, Optus, and TPG, which the ACCC accepted to resolve concerns about their involvement in the agreements with Google. The three telcos have committed not to renew or form new exclusive arrangements with Google that require its search services to be pre-installed and set as the default search function on Android devices they supply.   Crucially, the telcos now have the freedom to configure search services on a device-by-device basis, potentially differing from Google’s standard settings, and they are able to enter into pre-installation agreements with other search providers.   Keogh noted that this combined outcome “creates the potential for millions of Australians to have greater search choice in the future”. He added that competitors, including search tools enhanced by artificial intelligence, can now compete with Google for pre-installation exposure on Android phones. Keogh stressed that as search tools incorporating AI rapidly change how information is found, it is vital that Google’s competitors can gain meaningful exposure to Australian consumers.

The Gold Coast City Council has initiated public consultation on the planning of the Hinterland Gateway Community Hub (The Hub), a proposed modern, high-quality, multi-purpose facility set to revitalize the Nerang area. The Council is actively seeking feedback from residents to ensure the final project reflects the priorities of Nerang and the wider community.   The Hub is envisioned as a vibrant, connected location designed to bring together recreation, arts, and community services. This project is essential as Nerang’s population growth is driving increased demand for modern, accessible community spaces that support wellbeing and foster participation and connection. The facility reflects the Council’s commitment to investing in high-quality infrastructure that allows Nerang to thrive as a dynamic and inclusive community.   The proposed precinct is designed for flexibility, capable of hosting a wide range of local activities, including cultural events, learning activities, and community meetings. Facilities currently under consideration include a multi-purpose hall, community service spaces, and a new library. Other key facilities being planned include meeting and/or function rooms equipped with kitchen facilities, a Café, and a City Customer Service centre. Crucially, the Hub will also be equipped to serve as an Evacuation Centre for use in emergencies.   Community input from a 2023 information session already helped shape the early vision for The Hub. The current consultation is assessing public support for specific design elements, such as the inclusion of an outdoor recreation area and an amphitheatre. Residents are being asked how supportive they are of using an amphitheatre for various purposes, including public seating and relaxation, live entertainment and performances, community group activities, and seasonal events like Christmas carols.   Beyond the Hub itself, the consultation survey also seeks feedback on potential uses and design principles for the remaining land that currently houses the former Nerang Administration Centre. Potential concepts for this balance of land include enhancing public transport access, creating connectivity through walkways, and developing lifestyle recreational facilities such as restaurants, cafes, and green zones. The survey also gauges public support for future community facilities, commercial office and co-working spaces, affordable housing, and residential or mixed-use development on the site.   Residents are strongly encouraged to provide their feedback, particularly regarding how they believe the Hub will benefit the community, improve local facilities, rejuvenate the area amenity, and contribute to cultural life. The public consultation period for the Hinterland Gateway Community Hub closes on 17 December.   Link to the survey: https://gchaveyoursay.com.au/hinterland-gateway-community-hub/surveys/survey

The first-ever mascot for the Women’s Asian Cup football tournament, “Naara,” a Fire Horse, was unveiled on the Gold Coast as a symbol of courage ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 series,   The history-making moment for women’s football took place on International Volunteer Day, which welcomed more than 400 volunteers who will help bring the incredible event to life,,. The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 is scheduled to kick off on March 1, 2026, and will unite 12 of Asia and the Middle East’s top football nations, with matches being played on the Gold Coast, in Perth, and in Sydney.   AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Local Organising Committee Chief Operating Officer Sarah Walsh described the new mascot as a powerful symbol of courage, culture, and ambition. “Naara is a true fusion of cultures and a reminder that football is a truly global game,” Ms. Walsh said. She explained that Naara reflects the special nature of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup—an Asian tournament delivered in Australia—by being shaped by the richness of Asian tradition while deeply connected to Australia’s First Nations history,. Ms. Walsh added that the launch was especially meaningful because it was being celebrated with the volunteers, who will be the “heart and soul” of the tournament.   Economic and Sporting Impact for Queensland   The Gold Coast is set to host six matches at the Gold Coast Stadium in Robina. These fixtures include four group-stage matches and a Matildas match scheduled for March 5, 2026. The city’s hosting role is expected to generate an injection of $12.5 million into the Queensland economy. Beyond the 2026 tournament, the Gold Coast will also host an important play-off double-header for qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil in 2027.   Tourism Minister Andrew Powell stated that by hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, Queensland is proving it is delivering on its “Destination 2045” goal of becoming the events capital of the country. Minister Powell asserted that securing global tournaments such as this helps build a stronger economy and creates unforgettable experiences that showcase Queensland as the home of the holiday.   Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander anticipates that this unforgettable tournament is set to rank among the most prominent and record-breaking editions in the cup’s history. Minister Mander thanked the volunteers, noting that moments like these inspire the next generation of athletes and kids to get moving as Queensland paves the “green and gold runway to the 2032 Games”,   Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci noted that International Volunteer Day was a fitting occasion to acknowledge the crucial role volunteers play in delivering football across the state. Mr. Cavallucci encouraged the community to take advantage of this opportunity to watch Asia’s best female footballers in action.

  Community champions who are strengthening multiculturalism in Victoria walked the red carpet last night at the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence. Now in its 24th year, the event celebrated achievements across 14 award categories and highlighted the significant contributions of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers to the local community.   The ceremony was opened by the Governor of Victoria, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC. The Governor stressed the profound importance of the awards, noting that multiculturalism is a reason to hope that Victorians “are and will continue to be open-minded and practical people” focused on making progress a reality. She emphasized that every new wave of Victorians enriches diversity, deepens the understanding of the world, and expands the state’s possibilities and horizons.   The awards recognized advancements made by local champions of diversity in areas including arts, business, emergency services, and media. The 2025 ceremony also acknowledged individuals placed on the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll, highlighting their vital role in keeping communities safe, connected, and strong.     Among the key winners recognized were:   Dr Anindita Banerjee received the Arts Award for her work as a multidisciplinary artist, curator, and arts leader who empowers multicultural communities through inclusive storytelling and public art.   The Philippine Times earned the Media Award for connecting Filipino-Australians through trusted reporting and cultural storytelling. The Centre for Muslim Wellbeing was honored with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Award for being a community-led organization dedicated to improving mental health, spiritual wellbeing, and social inclusion for Muslim communities in Victoria.   The Greater Shepparton City Council’s Emergency Management and Resilience Team won the Local Government Award for facilitating the co-design of community resilience programs through an inclusive approach with multicultural organizations.   In law enforcement, Senior Constable Ding Cai, a Multicultural Liaison Officer, demonstrated a longstanding commitment to creating meaningful relationships between Victoria Police and multicultural communities, receiving the Police Multicultural Media Award.   The Premier’s Award for Community Harmony went to Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Darbar (SGND) Officer, a Sikh community organization established in 2019 that provides a platform for interfaith dialogue, crisis response, and health access across Victoria.   Peter Cinzah received the Refugee Achievement Award for proactively fostering unity and inclusion, supporting diverse communities through youth sports, education, and cultural events. The Bachar Houli Foundation secured the Sport Award for empowering young Australian Muslims and multicultural communities through sport, leadership, and education.   The Youth Leadership Award was given to COOK4CALD, a youth-led charity addressing food insecurity in Melbourne’s South-East with culturally inclusive meal programs.   The list of recipients also included multiple police officers, religious leaders, advocates, and organizations dedicated to safety and support, such as Sergeant Verity Newport for challenging racial bias in schools, Sheikh Moustapha Sarakibi for countering religiously-inspired violent extremism, and Luba Tanevski for over 35 years of advocacy supporting migrant and refugee women fleeing family violence. The sheer breadth of the achievements recognized demonstrates how multiculturalism operates as a cornerstone of Victorian community life.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has released its 2025 Private Health Insurance Report Card, revealing that Australians are consistently paying more for private health insurance while simultaneously receiving less value in return. The report highlights a private health sector in urgent need of reform, characterized by large insurer profits, diminishing top-tier coverage, and record high exclusions. The Report Card, published December 5, 2025, is designed to assist consumers in choosing appropriate cover, while also noting that the most important features of a health insurance product vary for each individual or family.   Runaway Premiums and Reduced Benefits   The AMA report card detailed stark financial discrepancies in the sector over the past decade and a half. Since 2008, the growth of private health insurance premiums has surpassed inflation, average weekly earnings, health sector inflation, and the indexation of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). Between 2008 and 2024, premiums climbed by over 100 per cent. In contrast, MBS indexation—which faced a freeze for several years beginning in 2013—increased by less than 20 per cent over the same period.   While sector profits grew by nearly 50 per cent over the six years leading up to June 2025, insurers increased benefits paid for in-hospital medical treatment by only 18.1 per cent.   Furthermore, the percentage of premiums returned to consumers as benefits is declining. In the 2024–25 period, insurers returned 84.2 per cent of premiums, a noticeable drop from the 88 per cent returned in 2019. Consequently, the AMA is now calling on the federal government to mandate that insurers return a minimum of 90 per cent of private health insurance premiums back to consumers in the form of benefits.   Affordability Crisis and Service Cuts   Despite the overall number of Australians holding hospital treatment cover being higher than ever before, a closer look at policies reveals a deterioration in quality. The AMA noted that fewer policies now offer top-level coverage, and the overall value of private health insurance is eroding, with exclusions reaching record levels.   These trends are making private health insurance increasingly unaffordable for many Australians. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the number of gold-tier policies has dropped by 360,000.   AMA President Dr. Danielle McMullen stated that consumers are facing difficult choices regarding the level of cover they can afford due to “runaway insurance premiums, low value offerings and shady tactics like product phoenixing”. Dr. McMullen pointed to the “drastic effects” of this trend, including the closure of at least 14 private maternity units over the past five years.   Call for Independent Authority to Drive Reform   The AMA warned that Australia’s health system, valued for its unique blend of public and private healthcare, is under increasing pressure. Public hospitals are struggling with a severe “logjam crisis,” which is diverting more patients towards the private sector.   In response to the report’s findings, Dr. McMullen renewed calls for an independent Private Health System Authority. She argued that this single authority is crucial for better regulation and long-term reform, asserting that a unified and coherent approach is necessary given the number of bodies currently involved in regulating private health.   The private sector remains a vital component of the national system, delivering two out of every five hospital admissions and more than two in three planned surgeries—services that would otherwise need to be delivered by public hospitals. The AMA is the peak professional body for doctors in Australia, committed to working towards an effective health service through advocacy and policy campaigns.  

A new comprehensive study tracking the work and mental health of over 16,000 Australian employees over two decades suggests that the effects of remote work and commuting are strongly gendered. Researchers analyzing 20 years of data from the national Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey found that working from home (WFH) boosts women’s mental health significantly more than men’s.   The biggest mental health gains for women were recorded when they adopted a hybrid working model, primarily working from home while still spending one to two days in the office or on-site each week.   Women Thrive in Hybrid Settings   For women who already experienced poor mental health, this hybrid arrangement led to better mental health outcomes compared to working exclusively on-site. The improvements seen were comparable to those resulting from a substantial 15% rise in household income. The analysis separated the effects of WFH from saved commuting time, confirming that the benefits for women went beyond simply avoiding the journey. Instead, the positive impact likely reflects other factors, such as better ability to juggle work and family life or reduced work stress. In contrast, light or occasional working from home had no clear effect on women’s mental health.   Commuting is Key for Men’s Wellbeing   For men, working from home—whether occasionally, mostly, or full-time—had no statistically reliable effect on mental health, either positive or negative. This finding may be linked to the gendered distribution of tasks in Australian households or the tendency for men’s social networks to be more work-based. However, commuting proved to be a factor for men. Longer commutes were tied to poorer mental health for men who already had strained mental health. The effect, while modest, suggests a tangible impact: for a man near the median mental health distribution, adding half an hour to a one-way commute reduced reported mental health by roughly the same amount as a 2% drop in household income. For women, commuting time had no detectable effect on mental health.   Flexibility Critical for Vulnerable Workers   The study highlighted that workers with poorer mental health are the most sensitive to both long commutes and the most likely to benefit from substantial WFH arrangements. People who already have poor mental health have a more limited capacity to deal with stressful events, making workplace flexibility particularly vital. Researchers recommend that employers avoid “one-size-fits-all return-to-office policies”. Instead, they should offer flexible working-from-home arrangements, especially for employees struggling with mental health. They also suggest that employers should treat commuting time as a factor in discussions about workload and wellbeing. The analysis used survey data spanning from 2002 to 2023 but explicitly excluded the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 and 2021) to ensure mental health outcomes were not confounded by factors unrelated to remote work. The statistical models also accounted for major life events, such as moving jobs or the arrival of children. Source: theconversation.com