Staff member is interested in taking a flexible work option   Head of Unit receives request from staff member for flexible work option
Step 1   Step 1
Be clear about what your needs are. Try to let your supervisor know about your changed circumstances as early as possible. Will you be asking for short term or long term accommodation?   Think about the needs of the work area, the job in question and the possibilities for changing existing arrangements. Find out what the staff member’s needs are. Are their needs for a short period of time or likely to be permanent?
Step 2   Step 2
Find out about your entitlements and what options are available in your area.
You can:
  • talk to your manager
  • talk to your HR Advisor (link) in Personnel
  • talk to EED Unit
  • talk to your Staff Consultative Committee Representative
  • talk to other staff who have made changes in their work arrangements
  • check the likely impact of changes on things like your superannuation and long service leave entitlements if relevant
   Find out about options, which are available.
You should:
  • familiarise yourself with UOW policies
  • talk to your HR Advisor (link) in Personnel
  • talk to EED Unit
  • talk to other Heads/supervisors who have managed flexible work arrangements
  Find a Personnel Contact »
Step 3
Work out an arrangement to suit the work area and the staff member. The staff member and Head of Unit should:
  • consider how different arrangements will
  • suit the job
  • suit the staff member’s working style
  • affect colleagues and clients
  • discuss how to minimise any negative impacts
  • consider a trial period
  • clarify all the details such as hours; responsibilities; conditions and entitlements; procedures in case of disagreement; monitoring and performance evaluation arrangement. Document the arrangements agreed upon
  • work out a review process for the arrangement
  • look at any support requirements for the staff member
  • inform other staff and clients about the changes and be prepared to discuss their concerns
Step 4
The arrangement should be regularly reviewed by both the staff member and the Head of Unit/supervisor and adjusted if required. If difficulties are encountered, Personnel Services can be contacted for assistance.
Last reviewed: 29 April, 2008