Flexible Working Legislation Australia

Welcome to another Flexible Success newsletter. Each edition includes a thought, a quote, a question and an interesting read - all related to flexible work. It's designed to be quick and easy to digest, and to provide you with some food for thought for the week ahead.

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A THOUGHT

In December last year, the Australian Government passed the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022. The flexible working piece of the amendment comes into force on 6 June 2023, and brings about significant changes to the obligation on employers to provide Flexible Working Arrangements.

Overall this is great news for employees. However, there is one piece that I believe doesn't go far enough. Employees still need to have worked for the same employer for at least 12 months before they have the right to request a flexible working arrangement.

Contrast this with the UK, who are bringing in the right to ask for flexible working from day one in a job.

Over the last few years we have seen so much evidence of the talent and productivity benefits that flexible working can bring to employers. It seems a shame that the new legislation still sets flexible working up as a reward provided to employees who have proved themselves over 12 months, rather than a win:win arrangement that should be considered from day one.

A QUOTE

“Best practice employers should give their employees flexibility where possible to help them balance their work and personal lives."

– Fair Work Ombudsman, Australia

A QUESTION

Are you across the flexible working legislation in your region? What does it say on the timing of flexible working requests?

AN INTERESTING READ

Five top takeaways from Australia's flexible work arrangement reforms.

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