Most employees are entitled to some type of flexible working arrangement. However, every work place is different and the types of flexible work arrangements offered to employees can vary.

What are flexible working arrangements?

Examples of flexible working arrangements include variable:

  • hours of work (eg. changes to start and finish times)
  • patterns of work (eg. split shifts or job sharing)
  • locations of work (eg. working from home), and
  • days of work.

Typically, you must have worked with the same employer for at least 12 months (this timeframe can differ between employers) to request flexible working arrangements.

Who can request flexible working arrangements?

Employees can request flexible working arrangements if they:

  • are the parent, or have responsibility for the care, of a child who is school aged or younger
  • are a carer (under the Carer Recognition Act 2010)
  • have a disability
  • are 55 or older
  • are experiencing family or domestic violence, or
  • provide care or support to a member of their household or immediate family who requires care and support because of family or domestic violence.

How do you request flexible working arrangements?

Your request has to:

  • be in writing
  • explain what changes you are requesting
  • explain the reasons for your request.

Employers who receive a request must give a written response within 21 days stating whether or not the request has been approved. Employers can only refuse a request on reasonable business grounds and if a request is refused, the written response must include the reasons.

To find out more about your rights

Visit Fair Work Ombudsman