Types of requests


Every employee is different. The right balance between work and life will also differ from person to person and change over time as families grow older and personal commitments change - so managers will receive diverse requests for flexible working arrangements.

 
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Parents' and Carers' leave

Providing day-to-day care for newborns, children under school age and those attending school or children with a disability.

New parents are currently entitled to a 12-month period of unpaid leave upon birth or adoption of a child. Find out more about Parental Leave.

Parents may also need time off to:

  • remain at home to care for a sick child. Find out more about Personal/Carers Leave.
  • take children to medical, dental and other health related appointments
  • attend meetings at their children's school
  • respond in an emergency.

Suggested ideas for managing these requests:

 
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Elder Care

Providing personal care and assistance to an elderly parent.

Carers may need to take time off to:

  • accompany a parent to medical and dental appointments, investigative procedures, legal appointments regarding power of attorney and will preparation
  • attend discussions regarding moving an elderly parent to alternative accommodation - for example an independent aged care unit, nursing home or hospice
  • stay with an elderly parent after illness, day care procedure or hospital admission. Find out more about Personal/Carers Leave
  • help with shopping, cleaning, paying bills
  • respond in an emergency.

Suggested ideas for managing these requests:

Information Sheet #4 Work Life Balance in the workplace - Elder Care.

 
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Studying

TAFE, university and other tertiary study; in-house skills development.

Employees who are also studying may need time off to:

  • attend lectures, tutorials and workshops in person or online and relevant academic addresses
  • study and conduct research
  • prepare for examinations
  • take a sabbatical.

Suggested ideas for managing these requests:

 
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Volunteering and community

Involvement in emergency services, sports coaching or charity work.

Volunteers may need time off to:

  • assist in emergency services work such as  fire fighting and storm and flood response
  • coach sport
  • assist organisers of activities for youth, people with disabilities and the elderly
  • provide assistance to charities.

Suggested ideas for managing these requests:

 
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Personal care and activities

Medical, dental, legal, financial appointments, hospital admission, recovery time after illness or injury, hobbies, sport, any outside interest that maintains health and wellbeing and enriches employees' lives.

At any stage of their working lives employees may need time off to:

Suggested ideas for managing these requests:

 
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Last Modified Date: 01/MAY/2012