Applying for flexible working arrangements
Flexible working arrangements are about finding a balance between your work and personal responsibilities. They can help create a healthy, positive and productive working environment that can:
- improve job satisfaction
- increase trust and respect
- reduce stress levels.
There are benefits for employers too—staff are likely to be more motivated and more productive if they are happier in their work environment.
To find the type of flexible working arrangement that suits you:
- contact your workplace Human Resources (HR) department or consultant
- talk to colleagues who already use flexible working arrangements.
Learn more about managing flexible working arrangements.
Right to request flexible working arrangements
All employees can apply for a flexible working arrangement and negotiate with their employer.
You are entitled to make a request if you're a full time employee, have worked for the same employer for at least 12 months, and are:
- a parent, or have responsibility for the care of a child who is school age or younger
- a carer (under the Carer Recognition Act 2010)
- a person with a disability
- aged 55 years or older
- experiencing family or domestic violence
- providing care or support for a family member, or member of your household, affected by family or domestic violence.
After receiving a request, employers must respond within 21 days. They can only refuse the request on reasonable business grounds and must provide a written response.
All private sector employers in Queensland are bound by these standards.
Learn more about flexible working arrangements on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
If you are a Queensland Government worker, learn more about flexible work and your manager's role and responsibilities.
Making a request
You will have to meet with your manager to discuss changes to your working arrangements. To prepare for that meeting:
- consider both your personal situation as well as your employer's—work out an arrangement you think will suit both parties
- review your budget—if you are planning to work fewer hours consider how that will affect your finances including your superannuation contributions
- be honest with yourself—can you still meet the job requirements with changed or reduced hours, are you disciplined enough to work from home?
Put it in writing
Once you have a clear plan, develop a written request. Your request should:
- list your current duties and hours of work
- set out your reasons for wanting flexible working arrangements, and your ideas on how they will work for both you and your employer
- describe how your plan might affect your work unit and propose solutions to any problems (e.g. what alternative arrangements you will make if you are required to have face to face contact with clients or colleagues as part of your job)
- include a review date and if it is a short-term arrangement, an end date.
Meet with your manager
Be confident and well prepared when you meet your manager or employer. Be prepared to answer questions.
Be flexible—the outcome may not be exactly what you want but it's important that you remain flexible to get the best outcomes for both you and the business.
If your request is approved by your employer, you should develop a written agreement together.
Review the agreement regularly (e.g. every 6 months).
Your rights
Learn more about:
Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman if you think you are being treated unfairly or need more advice.
More information
- Read the right to request flexible working arrangements best practice guide by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
- Learn more about flexible work for Queensland Government workers.