New rules on flexible work arrangements

Employers who fail to respond to a formal flexible work request within 21 days, can find themselves being taken to the Fair Work Commission. Paul Cott, Principal at Law on Lydiard, discusses this new rule change to the Fair Work Act. Employees can formally request changes to their work patterns, such as altering hours, location, job sharing, or splitting shifts. These requests must be made in writing, and employers are required to genuinely consider them and respond within 21 days. The process aims to balance employers’ business needs with employees’ personal commitments and circumstances.