Questions & Answers - Flexible working arrangements
Question 1
Date: 06/08/2009
Question:
Am I correct in assuming that the need to offer flexible working hours to take care of children is a requirement from 1 Jan 2010 (not 1 Jul 09?). We don't have a policy in place yet, and I'm hoping we still have a few months to get everything together.
Answer:
Yes, that is correct.
Question 2
Date: 09/09/2009
Question:
What parameters should we be using when considering flexible working requests in order to assess them all fairly under the reasonable business grounds test. We have just received our first request under the new Act - wishes to start flexible working on 1/1/10.
Answer:
You need to consider such things as:
- the nature of the role and the impact of the flexible work arrangement on the capacity of the employee to perform the role's requirements
- the impact of the arrangement on other workers, clients and suppliers
- the cost and feasibility of measures required to implement the arrangement, together with other issues (e.g. OHS)
- size of your organisation; and
- the impact on employee if arrangement is not implemented.