A flexible workplace can enable employers and employees to agree on working arrangements including hours of work, work location and the way work is carried out. It involves thinking creatively about how working lives can be better structured to match individual and business needs.
This guide provides information on what a flexible work environment is, with some important steps and practical examples on having flexible work practices.
Benefits of flexible work arrangements
Flexible workplace arrangements can assist you and your employer improve the way you work. Creating a flexible workplace by introducing flexible work arrangements is good for business and has advantages, such as:
- improving the ability of employers to attract skilled and motivated employees
- creating greater staff loyalty and higher return on training investment
- increased trust and respect
- reduced stress levels and improved morale and commitment
- reduced absenteeism and staff turnover
- improved productivity
- potential for improved occupational health and safety records
- assisting compliance with anti-discrimination and workplace relations laws.
Why have flexible work arrangements?
Flexible work arrangements can be useful if you:
- have fluctuating periods of health
- need to attend medical appointments on a regular basis
- need to fit in with your carer’s timetable
- have responsibilities for the care of children or other relatives.
Flexible working arrangements may also help if you decide not to disclose information about a disability to your employer or co-workers.
Examples of flexible work arrangements
Here are some examples of flexible work arrangements that might be suitable for you:
- flexible hours of work
- flexible leave arrangements
- make up time
- having your say in rostering arrangements
- part time work
- job sharing
- flexibility of location
- working from home.
Steps to introducing flexible work practices
While implementing flexible work practices may at first appear difficult, it takes is some planning, a little consideration and a willingness to try something new. Introducing flexible work requires planning ahead so that you can canvass all your options, assess your individual needs and develop strategies for implementation.
If you feel that flexible working arrangements would be helpful in your job, then here are some suggestions to get you started in negotiating flexible work arrangements with your employer:
Step 1: Decide what new arrangements would be appropriate
Consider and read up on all the options that are available for flexible workplace arrangements. The examples listed above are only a selection of the flexible arrangements that may be suitable for you.
Decide what arrangements you think would be suitable and reasonable for both you and your employer. Do the arrangements meet your needs and your employer’s needs?
Step 2: Plan your strategy
Plan how you’re going to deal with negotiations and make notes to take with you when you meet with your employer.
If you are receiving support from an Australian Government employment service provider, discuss your plans with your employment service provider. Ask for help putting together a case for flexible working arrangements.
Ask other people, like your parents, carers or friends for ideas. They may have had experience with negotiating or with organising flexible work arrangements.
Step 3: Negotiate with your employer
Ask your employer for a meeting to negotiate flexible work arrangements. State all the important facts, the reasons why you want to change your work arrangements and your possible solutions. You may also like to highlight some of the benefits to flexible work arrangements.
During your negotiations, start with the easy things first and consider implementing the flexible work arrangements over a trial period to test the arrangement works in practice. You should also ask your employer if there are potential solutions or problems that you haven’t thought about.
Be flexible. Remember that your employer may be responsible for an entire organisation so will have many factors to consider.
Workplace Relations
When considering flexible working arrangements, you should bear in mind that minimum entitlements in National Employment Standards cannot be undercut. These standards apply to employees covered by the national workplace relations system. Employers who do not comply with the standards may be receive significant financial penalties.
To find out about your rights at work, including the Natioanl Employment Standards, visit the Fair Work website where you can find out information about your wages and conditions and get advice on how you can work with your employer to tailor these to suit both of your needs. Alternatively you can call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.
Common concerns
It is common and understandable for your employer to have some concerns about implementing flexible work arrangements. To view the factsheet about Requests for flexible working arrangements and the National Employment Standards, visit the Fair Work website—see Related Links.