Flexible working arrangements - National Employment Standards

Summary

The transcript outlines the rights of employees under the National Employment Standards to request flexible working arrangements. Employees who have worked continuously with the same employer for at least 12 months can request changes like adjusted start and finish times, job sharing, or working from home. Eligible employees include parents, carers, individuals with disabilities, those aged 55+, pregnant individuals, and those affected by family violence. Casual employees can also make such requests under certain conditions. Employers must respond within 21 days, with refusal only allowed on reasonable business grounds. More details are available on the Fair Work website.

Takeaways

• 😀 Employees under the National Employment Standards have the right to request flexible working arrangements.
• 😀 Flexible working arrangements include changes to start and finish times, split shifts, job sharing, or working from home.
• 😀 Full-time and part-time employees who have worked with the same employer for at least 12 months can request flexible working arrangements.
• 😀 Employees can request flexible arrangements if they are a parent, carer, have a disability, are 55 or older, are pregnant, or are experiencing family violence.
• 😀 Casual employees can also request flexible arrangements if they meet certain conditions, such as working regularly and systematically for at least 12 months.
• 😀 Requests for flexible working arrangements must be made in writing, outlining the change and the reasons for it.
• 😀 Employers must respond to flexible working requests within 21 days in writing, either approving or refusing the request.
• 😀 Employers can only refuse a request for flexible working on reasonable business grounds.
• 😀 If a request is refused, the employer must provide reasons for the refusal in the written response.
• 😀 For more information on flexible working arrangements, employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au/flexibleworkingarrangements.
• 😀 The information about flexible working arrangements is authorized by the Australian Government.

Q & A

What is the National Employment Standard regarding flexible working arrangements?

The National Employment Standard allows employees to request flexible working arrangements such as changing their start and finish times, working split shifts, job sharing, or working from home, under certain conditions.

Who is eligible to request flexible working arrangements?

Full-time and part-time employees who have worked continuously with the same employer for at least 12 months can request flexible working arrangements. Casual employees in certain situations may also be eligible.

What are the main reasons an employee can request flexible working arrangements?

Employees can request flexible working arrangements if they are parents or responsible for the care of a child who is school-aged or younger, are carers under the Carer Recognition Act, have a disability, are 55 or older, are pregnant, or are experiencing family and domestic violence.

Can casual employees request flexible working arrangements?

Yes, casual employees can request flexible working arrangements if they have worked regularly and systematically for the same employer for at least 12 months and have a reasonable expectation of continued work.

How should an employee make a request for flexible working arrangements?

The request must be made in writing, specifying the change being asked for and the reasons behind the request.

What is the timeframe for an employer to respond to a request for flexible working arrangements?

Employers must provide a written response within 21 days, either approving or refusing the request.

Can employers refuse a request for flexible working arrangements?

Yes, employers can refuse a request, but only on reasonable business grounds. If the request is refused, the employer must provide the reasons for the refusal in writing.

What constitutes reasonable business grounds for refusing a request?

Reasonable business grounds can include factors like cost, business operations, or the inability to make necessary adjustments for the employee's request.

Where can employees find more information about flexible working arrangements?

More information about flexible working arrangements can be found at www.fairwork.gov.au/flexibleworkingarrangements.

What is the significance of the Carer Recognition Act of 2010 in the context of flexible working arrangements?

The Carer Recognition Act of 2010 recognizes individuals who care for family members with disabilities or illnesses. Employees who are carers under this Act are eligible to request flexible working arrangements.