Introduction to the toolkit
Flexible work arrangements are now a standard part of many Australian workplaces, making it essential for employers to have a clear and consistent approach when responding to employee requests.
Under the Fair Work Act 2009, employers must follow a defined process when considering flexible work requests. Developed by Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors and available through My Business, the Flexible Work Arrangements Toolkit provides practical templates, checklists and guidance to help businesses confidently manage requests and meet their workplace obligations.
As workplace expectations continue to evolve, having the right processes in place helps businesses respond consistently, support their people and make informed decisions.
The law has changed
Flexible work requests are no longer simply a matter of approving or declining an arrangement. Eligible employees have the right to request flexible working arrangements under the Fair Work Act, and employers must follow a defined process when considering and responding to these requests.
Employers must do more than identify reasonable business grounds for a decision. They must also ensure they have followed the required process, including properly considering the request, consulting with the employee where required and communicating their decision appropriately.
Failing to follow the correct process can create unnecessary workplace relations risk, even where a business has legitimate operational reasons for declining a request.
Having a consistent and well-documented approach helps businesses meet their obligations while making fair and informed decisions.
Your step-by-step compliance solution
Developed by Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors, the Flexible Work Arrangements Toolkit is designed to help you:
- Understand your obligations when responding to flexible work requests.
- Assess requests using a structured and consistent approach.
- Follow the required consultation and decision-making process.
- Communicate outcomes using professionally drafted templates.
- Maintain records to support your decision-making process.
Whether you're approving a request, proposing an alternative arrangement or declining a request, the toolkit helps you follow a consistent process and make informed decisions with confidence.
What's in the toolkit?
- Flexible Work Request Checklist: A practical checklist covering each stage of the process, including assessing requests, consultation requirements, responding to employees and record keeping.
- Approval of Request Letter Template: A professionally drafted template to help confirm approval of a flexible work arrangement.
- Alternative Flexible Working Arrangement Letter Template: A template to help communicate an alternative arrangement where the original request cannot be accommodated.
- Refusal of Request Letter Template: A template to help communicate a refusal based on reasonable business grounds while meeting legislative requirements.
The cost of getting it wrong
Failing to follow the correct process when responding to flexible work requests can expose your business to:
- Workplace disputes and Fair Work Commission involvement.
- Decisions being challenged where procedural requirements have not been met.
- Increased workplace relations risk.
- Time-consuming reviews and additional administrative burden.
- Reduced trust between employers and employees.
A structured, well-documented approach helps businesses demonstrate that requests have been properly considered and respond to flexible work arrangements with confidence.
About Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA)
Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA) is an award-winning firm specialising in workplace relations, employment law and industrial relations. Dedicated to employers and business owners, ABLA delivers practical, business-focused advice across all aspects of workforce management – from workplace investigations to enterprise bargaining. Recognised multiple times as Australia’s leading Workplace Relations and Employment Team at the Australian Law Awards, ABLA combines deep expertise with a commitment to making complex legal issues simple and actionable.
Explore related workplace compliance solutions
Sexual Harassment Positive Duty Toolkit
Meet your legal obligations with a practical toolkit designed to help employers prevent sexual harassment and demonstrate compliance with positive duty requirements.
Psychosocial Hazards Management Toolkit
Meet your WHS obligations with a practical toolkit designed to help employers identify, assess and manage psychosocial hazards in the workplace.