RSM, BDO staff return to the office amid strong demand

Mid-tier accounting firms RSM and BDO are planning a phased return to work, as they report an increase in demand for advice from clients despite the wider downturn in the economy caused by the coronavirus lockdown.

RSM has already seen a steady move away from working from home with about 35 per cent of staff now back at the firm's offices, according to national chairman Jamie O’Rourke. That figure has increased by 10 percentage points in a week.

"All our employees other than [in] Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra have returned at least part-time to the office," Mr O'Rourke said.

"Some of our offices have staff in alternating teams coming in throughout the week to ensure that social distancing can be maintained within the office and in particular in shared spaces."

BDO is taking a staggered approach, with one-quarter of staff returning to the office from this week.

"We will continuously monitor and, as restrictions continue to ease, we will look to increase the number of staff in our offices to around 33 per cent, then 50 per cent when safe to do so over the next few months," said chief executive partner Tony Schiffmann.

Staff at both firms have reported a range of challenges in working from home, including the lack of face-to-face contact with colleagues and clients. There is also a reluctance to use public transport.

"Engaging with staff in remote working environments is a challenge. While we have regular webinars and Zoom meetings, and have moved many of our engagement events online, it is not the same as our face-to-face engagement," RSM's Mr O'Rouke said.

BDO hopes to organise cheap parking for staff wishing to return to work.

"Travelling into the office by public transport was one of the main challenges cited by our staff as a barrier to returning to work," Mr Schiffmann said.

"We’ve listened to their concerns and we’re currently negotiating with local parking providers and hotel chains, who currently have empty carparks, to be able to provide discounted or subsidised parking rates to our staff."

The firms report that most divisions are experiencing the same or even more demand despite the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

At RSM, Mr O'Rouke said "all business units are currently strong, with the exception of restructuring and recovery".

At BDO, demand for services such as consulting and business restructuring is steady, while demand for transaction services has gone down.

Mr Schiffmann said demand had increased for audit, business services, tax and cyber-security advice, with clients particularly wanting guidance on "accessing measures announced in stimulus packages".