Department store chain Myer has reportedly ordered all its corporate staff to return to the office five days a week from 2027.

The company will move into its new headquarters on Dorcas St at South Melbourne in November, alongside staff from newly acquired Apparel Brands, which includes Just Jeans, Portmans, Dotti, Jay Jays and Jacqui E. 

Rumours of the scrapping of work from home (WFH) arrangements first appeared on website The Aussie Corporate, which received a tip that the changes were announced at an all-staff meeting in early October.

While Myer has declined to officially comment, multiple employees have since told the Australian Financial Review that WFH arrangements have indeed been cancelled.

‘This was suddenly communicated to us. It was very shocking,’ one source said.

‘There are a few exceptions, like if you live far away in Geelong, or for parents, such as single mums, or people with health issues.’

The new building will house more than 1,000 staff but is understood to do away with designated desks in favour of flexible working areas and hot-desking.

Myer could, however, be forced to backflip on the mandate if Victoria’s WFH laws pass.

Myer has ordered its corporate staff at its Melbourne HQ to return to the office five days a week despite laws set to pass Victoria’s Parliament that would enshrine WFH rights 

The legislation was introduced under former premier Jacinta Allan and would allow employees the right to work from home for two days a week if it was feasible for their role.

The laws appeared to be locked in, however, since new premier Ben Carroll assumed office, he has been under pressure from business groups to wind them back.

The bill passed the lower house in September.

However, in the upper house, the Opposition and crossbench banded together to send it to parliamentary committee.

This has effectively put the legislation on pause, where it will likely remain until after the November state election, so Labor can neither use WFH rights as a tool to garner votes nor a weapon to attack the Opposition should it torpedo them.

Mr Carroll still maintains the laws will be in effect from July 2027.

Daily Mail has contacted Myer for comment.