Asking for a flexible working arrangement might seem daunting. But now’s as good a time as ever to be brave, step up and ask your employer to consider working differently. Hearts and minds are shifting on the ways in which we work. Here’s a pitch-perfect sample letter to use as a template to submit your flexible working request to your employer (and a completed example below for more ideas).

In Australia, the Fair Work Ombudsman has a range of great resources available, specifically around flexible working. If at any time you need more information or assistance, call the Fair Work Ombudsman Infoline on 13 13 94 or visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

Request for flexible working arrangements template

[Date]

Private and confidential

Employee details:
[Your name]
[Contact details]
[Job title]

Dear [insert manager’s name]

RE: Request for flexible working arrangements

I would like to request to work a flexible work arrangement that is different to my current working arrangement. I am making this request to help care for my child.

I can confirm I have worked continuously as an employee of this organization for the last 12 months and am employed on a [full-time/part-time/casual basis].

I would like to start working [include a paragraph to describe the flexibility you would like to have in the future including the days/hours/times you would like to work].

These changes will assist me because [insert reasons].

I think this change in my working pattern will affect my employer and coworkers by [include any information on the impact you feel your flexible working pattern will have on your employer].

I think the impact on the business and my colleagues can be accommodated by [include steps you feel can be taken to accommodate your flexible working pattern].

I would like to request this working arrangement to start from [insert date].

I would appreciate your response to this request and am happy to discuss this matter at a time that is convenient. I am willing to discuss possible alternatives to the arrangements I have outlined and I am also willing to work with you to make sure that this arrangement works effectively for both the business and me.

Yours sincerely
[Insert name]

(Please keep a copy of this letter for your records)

Example Letter/Proposal – Request for flexible working arrangements

Dear Sue

RE: Request for flexible working arrangements

I would like to request to work a flexible work arrangement that is different to my current working arrangement. I am making this request to help care for my child.

I can confirm that I have worked continuously as an employee of this organization for the last 12 months and am employed on a full-time basis.

I would like to vary my starting and finishing times by one hour. This would essentially mean starting work at 8.30am and finishing at 4.30pm, instead of commencing at 9.30am and finishing 5.30pm as my roster currently stands.

These changes will assist me because I will be able to pick my son up from child care and share the responsibility with my partner.

I believe that the effect on the business and my colleagues can be accommodated by my commitment to completing my early morning duties before client contact commences. This arrangement will benefit my coworkers, as I will have greater availability to assist clients throughout the day. This will not only alleviate pressure on my coworkers, but will also ensure that our clients are serviced in a timely manner.

I believe this change in my working pattern can be managed by ensuring my key tasks are still delivered and my commitment to complete early morning duties before the team logs on. I believe that starting an hour early will actually benefit the team as I will be able to attend to emails received overnight and be ready to field calls at 9.30am or earlier. This will enable scheduling of client calls from 9.30am as opposed to 9.45am, given the administration duties I will have completed.

I would like this working arrangement to start from my return, which is scheduled for 1 January 2022.

I would appreciate your response to this request and am happy to discuss this matter at a time that is convenient. I am willing to discuss possible alternatives to the arrangements I have outlined and I am also willing to work with you to make sure that this arrangement works effectively for both the business and me.

Yours sincerely
Jocelyn

Source: Fair Work Ombudsman