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ARTICLE · 24 JANUARY 2022

When is it reasonable to decline an employee request for flexible working arrangements?

Cooper Grace Ward
Cooper Grace Ward
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Cooper Grace Ward

Cooper Grace Ward

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Highlights important considerations for employers seeking to balance the evolving needs of employees in the workplace.

AustraliaEmployment and HR
Gemma Sharp
Gemma Sharp
Megan Cheng
Megan Cheng
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The QIRC has confirmed that it was reasonable for Queensland Health to decline a HR advisor's request to move interstate and work from home, despite permitting her to work remotely full-time during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the past two years, we have seen an increase in flexible working arrangements in workplaces across Australia, especially the option to work from home. However, in the recent decision of Hair v State of Queensland (Queensland Health)  [2021] QIRC 422, the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) upheld the employer's decision to reject a HR advisor's request to continue working from home on a full-time basis when she relocated interstate.

This case highlights important considerations for employers seeking to balance the evolving needs of employees in the workplace.

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© Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers

Cooper Grace Ward is a leading Australian law firm based in Brisbane.

This publication is for information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain advice that is specific to your circumstances and not rely on this publication as legal advice. If there are any issues you would like us to advise you on arising from this publication, please contact Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers.

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