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Flexible work arrangements
Last updated August 2024
This chapter explains who is legally entitled to request flexible work arrangements, types of flexible work arrangements and how to introduce them in your workplace.
Who is entitled to request a flexible work arrangement?
Under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act), certain employees are entitled to request a flexible work arrangement.
Definition: Flexible Work Arrangement
A flexible work arrangement is a modification to an employee’s usual work arrangement that is agreed between the employer and the employee.
A flexible work arrangement is a modification to an employee’s usual work arrangement that is agreed between the employer and the employee.
An employee may request a flexible work arrangement if they would like to change their work arrangement because they:
- are a parent or are responsible for the care of a child who is of school age or younger;
- have a disability;
- are aged 55 years or older;
- are experiencing family or domestic violence, or are providing care or support to a member of their immediate family or household because they are experiencing family or domestic violence;
- are a carer (within the meaning of the Carer Recognition Act 2010); or
- are pregnant.
An employee may request a flexible work arrangement if they have completed at least 12 months of continuous service with you immediately before making the request.
Casual employees may request a flexible work arrangement if they:
- have been employed by you on a regular or systematic basis for a period, or sequence of periods, of at least 12 months; and
- have a reasonable expectation of continuing employment with you.