Types of flexible working arrangements
Flexible working arrangements such as part-time work, job sharing or telecommuting can be an option for:
- parents and carers balancing job demands with family responsibilities
- mature-age workers approaching retirement
- employees with study commitments
- people returning to work after an illness or long absence.
All employees can apply for flexible working arrangements and negotiate with their employer.
Some employees have a right to request flexible working arrangements.
Part-time work
Part-time employees have predictable hours of work each week but fewer than full-time. They have the same entitlements as full-time workers (e.g. recreation and sick leave) but on a pro rata basis.
Job sharing
Sharing the duties of 1 job between 2 or more employees can be an ongoing or short-term arrangement.
There are many ways to divide a job but 2 types of job sharing are:
- twin model—2 employees share 1 position and all tasks but work on different days
- islands model—employees share 1 position but take on different aspects of the job. This can be a good arrangement if you and your job share partner have different skills.
Often employees work an equal number of hours. This can mean splitting the week to 2.5 days each or splitting the day. Some employees work alternate weeks. Some split the hours (e.g. 1 person works 2 days and the other 3 days).
Telecommuting
Telecommuting means working away from the central workplace—often at home. It can be on set days or arranged as the work demands.
You should have a dedicated work area where you are undisturbed. All the equipment and resources you need to do the job should be accessible. A formal workplace health and safety assessment may be required.
Telecommuting may not be practical if your job requires:
- a lot of face-to-face contact with customers or clients
- use of specialist, non-portable equipment
- direct supervision.
Telecommuting is not a childcare solution.
Read about home offices expenses you may be able to claim as a tax deduction.
Compressed working hours
Compressed working hours—a formal arrangement where you work your normal, full-time hours (e.g. 36 hours, 15 minutes a week) over fewer than 5 days. This arrangement is often used to work a 9-day fortnight.
Flexible working hours
Flexible working hours:
- work your usual number of hours but vary when you start and finish.
Accrued time (also known as flexi-time):
- work more than your standard daily or weekly hours—the time you accrue can be taken later as a full or part days leave.
Learn more about flexibility in the workplace.
Purchased leave
Purchased leave lets you take extra leave each year by pay averaging (e.g. a 48/52 arrangement). You work 44 weeks a year. You take 4 weeks normal annual leave, and 4 weeks extra or purchased leave. Your pay is averaged over the full year so you get more leave but receive a lower annual pay. This can suit employees transitioning to retirement.
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.