What employers need to consider when responding to flexible work requests
Work from home requests aren’t new — but the reasons behind them are changing.
For many employees, it’s no longer just about convenience. It’s about balancing rising living costs, commuting pressures and overall wellbeing. And that means employers are seeing more requests for flexibility than ever before.
But here’s the challenge — not every role can be done remotely and not every request can be approved.
So, what’s the right approach?
It’s Not a Simple Yes or No
Under the Fair Work Act, some employees have the right to request flexible working arrangements. But that doesn’t mean employers have to say yes to every request.
What it does mean is that employers must:
- Properly consider each request
- Respond within the required timeframe
- Have reasonable business grounds if declining
And importantly — communicate the decision clearly and respectfully.
Balance Is Key
The best outcomes don’t usually come from a hard yes or no.
Instead, employers should be thinking:
- Could a hybrid arrangement work?
- Are flexible hours an option?
- Is there a temporary solution that supports both sides?
Taking a balanced approach helps maintain fairness while still meeting business needs.
Don’t Overlook the Human Side
Behind many of these requests is a simple reality — employees are feeling pressure.
Whether it’s financial stress, long commutes or competing responsibilities, these factors can impact engagement, performance and overall wellbeing.
That’s why it’s important to:
- Have open, supportive conversations
- Be consistent in how decisions are made
- Look for practical ways to support employees where possible
A Practical Way Forward
Managing work from home requests doesn’t have to be complicated — but it does need to be considered.
To make it easier, we’ve created a simple, practical checklist you can use in your business to:
Assess requests fairly Make consistent decisions Communicate clearly Support your people
Download your Work From Home Requests Checklist
If you’re unsure how to respond to a request — or want to make sure you’re getting it right — our team can help.
At HR Advice Online, we support Australian employers to:
- Navigate flexible work requests with confidence
- Ensure compliance with Fair Work requirements
- Balance business needs with employee expectations
