Topic key points
- A Flexible Working Arrangement allows an employee to work non-standard hours, work partially or wholly away from their normal workplace, whether as part of their ongoing employment arrangements or for a fixed term period.
- Flexible work is one of the best ways to boost employee wellbeing, satisfaction and engagement.
- There are many ways that flexible work can be accommodated, and they usually allow employees achieve balance between work and their personal lives.
- For example, they assist parents who are looking for after young children, carers of those with a disability or those looking after elderly parents.
- There are several resources available for employees, managers and HR to help set up good flexible work practices.
Introduction to Topic
A Flexible Working Arrangement allows an employee to work non-standard hours, work partially or wholly away from their normal workplace, whether as part of their ongoing employment arrangements or for a fixed term period. There are many ways that employees requiring Flexible Working Arrangements may be accommodated but the following examples are some of the more common arrangements.
- Changed starting and finishing times
- Part-time work or job sharing
- Working more hours over fewer days
- Working additional hours to make up for time taken off
- Taking rostered days off in half days or more flexibly
- Time off work instead of overtime payments
- Changing the location of work or the need to travel to work (for example, working from home)
Flexible Working Arrangements allow employees achieve balance between work and their personal lives. There are many benefits to accommodating Flexible Work Arrangements for both an organisation and the employee. Flexibility can benefit businesses by increasing staff retention, decreasing absenteeism, and achieving greater productivity through increased employee job satisfaction.
The Fair Work Act 2009 (Fair Work Act) provides employees with a legal right to request Flexible Working Arrangements. Australia’s anti-discrimination laws provide that it is unlawful to discriminate on the basis of a number of protected attributes including age, disability, race, sex, intersex status, gender identity and sexual orientation in employment. Workplace Health and Safety laws apply in all States and Territories. An employer together with its employees have certain duties regarding safety under this legislation and other relevant legislation in the State or Territory where they work.
Included resources
- Ageing Workforce Ready Project flexible work management guide
- Ageing Workforce Ready Project flexible work factsheet
- Ageing Workforce Ready Project flexible work conversation guide
- Ageing Workforce Ready Project flexible work policy guide
- Ageing Workforce Ready Project flexible work worksheet
- Fair Work flexible work guide
- Workplace Gender Equality: Flexible work guide
- 5 steps to implementing flexible working arrangements
- Flexible work arrangement best practice guide (fair work ombudsman)
- FutureFlex: Mainstreaming flexible work
Copy for Clients
For managers/leaders
As discussed in session, it is great that you are considering how to improve your workplace flexible work practices. Flexible work is a great way to increase satisfaction, engagement and productivity in your workplace. Please find attached some resources that you may find helpful.
For employers/individuals
As we discussed, flexible work is a great way to achieve better work-life balance, reduce burnout or increase satisfaction. However, requesting flexible work can be daunting. Attached are some resources that may help you understand and ask for flexible work.