Flexible Working Policy Template [Free Download]

Flexible working arrangements are becoming incredibly popular, and businesses of all sizes are looking to keep up with the growing demand for employees who request flexible working arrangements.

Do you embrace and encourage flexible working in your organisation? It’s important to have a flexible working policy in place to set the rules. Check out our Working Hours Policy Template to ensure your employees know what is expected of them and when they are required to perform work.

This template includes clarification for your employees on: 

• Operation of the policy: Why it exists, obligations for the company and what the policy covers. 
• Eligibility: Who is considered eligible for a flexible working arrangement and what circumstances qualify. 
• Documentation requirements: What the written request should include for the employer to evaluate the application. 
• Procedure: The process the employer will take to evaluate the request. 
• Agreement or refusal: The process the employer will take to notify the employee of an outcome. 
• Dispute resolution and arbitration: The process the employee may take to respond to a refusal of their application. 

Download the template by filling in the form on the right. 

How can you use this flexible working template?

We’ve created a free, flexible working policy template for you to customise and introduce to your business.

A flexible work policy can help your employees understand flexible work arrangements and set out ground rules for them to follow. By downloading the PDF, you have instant access to a customisable flexible work policy template. Replace the highlighted text boxes with information relevant to your company and ensure you communicate the policy to your staff via email, team meeting and having it available on your intranet or somewhere accessible.

For a comprehensive approach, consider our Hybrid Working Policy Template, which can help your team get the most out of hybrid work arrangements.

What are flexible working arrangements?

Flexible work arrangement refers to the in Australia that allows employees to apply for flexibility in where, when and how they work. This may include working part-time, compressed hours, flexible hours, job sharing, working from home, split-shifts and work re-design. 

Why offer flexible working?

Offering flexible working arrangements has been shown to improve employee retention, reduce absenteeism and significantly boost team morale. Employment is shifting everywhere, and the focus on work-life balance has become more prominent.

When employees have greater control over their schedules, they’re more likely to stay engaged and loyal to their employer. No more juggling school pickups and work commutes, or leaving the family dog at home all by themself. Flexibility supports a better work-life balance, which can lead to increased productivity and overall job satisfaction. 

In today’s competitive market especially, flexible work options are often a key differentiator for top talent evaluating potential employers. For many job seekers, it’s no longer a perk, it’s an expectation. Embracing flexible work can also open the door to a more diverse talent pool, including parents, caregivers and people living in regional or remote areas. If you’re only able to offer work to local talent, your talent pool is naturally smaller than businesses that are hiring from all around the country. 

Key takeaway: Flexible working gives employees control over how and where they work, such as flexi-hours or remote work. This setup can suit workers on a regular and systematic basis, especially when tailored to business needs. Flexible work boosts morale, retention and productivity. It’s a compelling benefit that attracts new employees and promotes work-life balance across diverse talent pools.

Should you offer flexible working arrangements?

One thing that fills employers with varying degrees of trepidation is implementing flexible working policies. How do you do it and where do you start? 

When it comes to implementing flexible work arrangements, the first thing you want to think about is what works for your business. Think about the types of flexible arrangements available, the potential impacts on the business operations and consider what might suit you. 

If you’re a tech company like Employment Hero, remote working is a very viable option. If you’re a business that needs boots on the ground, rather than throwing your hands up in defeat, consider what you can offer whether that’s flex-time, job-sharing or time-in-lieu. 

Know your obligations for flexible work arrangements 

In Australia, under the Fair Work Act 2009, certain employees have a legal right to request flexible working arrangements. According to the Fair Work website in August 2025, eligible employees are full-time and part-time employees that have worked with the same employer for 12 months and are: 

• the parent, or have responsibility for the care, of a child who is school aged or younger
• a carer (under the Carer Recognition Act 2010)
• a person with disability
• 55 or older
• pregnant
• experiencing family and domestic violence, or
• provide care or support to an immediate family or household member who is experiencing family and domestic violence.

Employers must respond in writing within 21 days and can only refuse on reasonable business grounds.

Creating your own flexible working arrangement policy

Having an official procedure working policy in place is essential for compliance and  implementing change. They help manage risk from approving an employee’s flexible working request and can be used as evidence in unfair dismissal cases.

When crafting a flexible working policy, clearly outline what the terms are, what caveats there are and any deal-breakers. Some example questions employers should consider:

• Are there any legal requirements and employment laws related to flexible working in your country?
• What will be the working hours and finish times for team members?
• Will employee productivity be affected?
• Can employees fulfil their responsibilities while flexible working?
• Do you have a work-from-home policy in place?
• Do employees have access to adequate remote working tools?

Outside of those core areas, you might also want to include more day-to-day implications. Such as: 

• Who employees should submit requests to,
• What form they should use, and; 
• how decisions will be communicated. 

Clear processes reduce confusion and increase fairness. Once you’ve crafted your policy, it’s time to implement it at your workplace.

How to implement a flexible working policy

The first step is to get employees to read the flexible working policy and acknowledge they understand the terms and conditions. By signing off on a policy, an employee acknowledges they have read and understood what is expected of them. 

For ensuring smooth operations and addressing any workplace issues, download our Workplace Grievance Handling Policy Template

It’s also worth communicating the policy during onboarding, team meetings or through internal announcements. This reinforces that flexibility is part of your workplace culture.

Using your flexible working hours policy template

Aside from the downloadable policy template, Employment Hero’s HR employee software has flexible work policy templates inside the platform that you can tailor for your use.

These policies have been vetted by employment law specialists and are frequently reviewed to ensure they are up to date with Australian laws. If you aren’t using Employment Hero and want to learn how you can streamline your people operations, talk to one of our business specialists today.