QBE is allowing staff outside Victoria to “opt-in” to an office return so long as COVID-19 case levels remain low, while Hollard is running a similar “test phase” using volunteers.

But insurers are taking the greatest care with such provisional measures, as Melbourne’s second wave of cases puts the brakes on any large-scale reversal of the industry’s switch to working from home.

IAG remains cautious, saying only those with “an essential need” to return are currently back in their usual workplaces, including Sydney offices, and its preference is for everyone who can work from home to continue to do so.

The insurer told insuranceNEWS.com.au that further opening up of sites would require “sustained, very low community transmission”.

“Our target for very low community transmission is defined as less than five cases per day for 14 days,” a spokesman said.

“The reason we set that target is because it reflects our priority to keep people safe and for most people, the safest place to work right now is at home.”

The insurer is providing face masks for staff and contractors at all IAG worksites.

QBE says it provides all necessary support and equipment for staff to work from home and the switch has been “a remarkable success”. It says the health and wellbeing of its staff, customers, partners and communities is its “primary focus”.

“We have made it clear there is no expectation for anyone to return to office-based working during the current climate,” a spokeswoman told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“However we are offering an ‘opt-in’ process for non-Victorian based employees who’ve specifically stated they wish to return to the office.”

QBE says it is closely monitoring the situation in NSW, and COVID-safe protocols have been established at all available sites.

Hollard says it has a return to office (R2O) plan that considers Government and public safety guidelines and requirements.

“The plan assumes a gradual opening of our Sydney premises, but is designed to pivot, if needed, to a return to working from home – depending on changing circumstances and public health advice,” a spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“We are watching the evolving situation in Victoria and NSW closely.”

Hollard says staff surveys show 20% of employees are “ready and keen” to come back to the office, at least for some days each week.

As a result, it launched a test phase of its R2O to support employees in a “controlled environment”.

“We have undertaken a risk assessment and carefully redesigned the office to ensure we are able to meet all social distancing requirements,” the spokesman said.

Hollard says about 5% of the workforce is scheduled for working in the office during the test phase.

“We will use the learnings of the test phase to ensure larger numbers of employees can return to the office safely, when the right time comes,” the insurer says.

“Ultimately, we understand the future of how we all work will look different from how we used to work. For now, our priority is the health and safety of everyone in the Hollard family and we are pleased to be able to support a small group of employees who are ready to be in the office – safely.”

Suncorp says it is taking a “considered approach” in each state, depending on government advice.

“Right now, the majority of our people remain working from home with the exception of our Stores teams and a small cohort who have started returning to the office in a staged approach,” a spokeswoman said.