Diversity Dimensions > Resources > NES & The Right to Request Flexible Work

NES & The Right to Request Flexible Work

With the ominous introduction of the Right to Request Flexible Work as one of Federal Government’s 10 Minimum National Employment Standards (NES) and recent Victorian Equal Opportunity Amendment (Family Responsibilities) Act 2008, more that ever it is imperative that employers and managers know how to negotiate a flexible or alternate work arrangement.  Needless to say our Manager & Employee Workshops and 5 Stage Process to Negotiating Flexible or Alternate Work has been of particular interest to our clients.

Flexible work is not going away.  We have the ageing population, declining birth rate & now the government taking increased measures to make sure Australian Businesses get on board. Adopting flexible work practices is key to Australian businesses who want to minimise the impact of the retiring baby boomers and future labour shortages.  By utilising flexible work practices, you can effectively manage knowledge transfer of retirees and gain access to alternative labour pools.  With the 10 National Employment Standards (NES) becoming effective in 2010, employers are looking for tools to guide both employees and managers by adding structure to the negotiations ensuring equity and transparency in these discussions.  As a result, there has been increased interest in the Diversity Dimensions' 5 Stage Process to Negotiating Flexible Work.

At Diversity Dimensions, we have formulated a tool that is universal in its application.  We have proven its effectiveness across different countries and cultures and it is no wonder it has become the preferred tool in flexible work negotiations.  Some comments from recently trained managers include:

• “I was previously unaware of what was involved and would now be confident in applying the relevant processes”
• “Effective & robust approval process”
• “It has provided me with both an awareness of the Organisation’s approach to flexible working and some good tools to manage the process”
• “Session demystified this process.....excellent session in helping to understand an area that will be increasingly utilised in future”

Importantly, the Diversity Dimensions' 5 Stage Process to Negotiating Flexible/Alternate Work supports organisational policies with a robust step by step guide, while remembering the guidelines set down in the NES.  If you would like to hear more about how we can help you negotiate win/win flexible work outcomes, call Carolyn Gallaway on 02 9836 5838 or email cgallaway@diversity-dimensions.com.au.
 

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