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Section 01
Summary of flexible-by-default key messages
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Section 02
Introduction
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Section 03
The impact of the covid-19 response
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Section 04
Principles that underpin a flexible-by-default approach
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Section 05
There is a wide range of flexible working options
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Section 06
Four-stage approach to shifting to flexible-by-default
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Section 07
Part two - Flexible-Work-by-Default Guidance and Resources
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Section 08
Resource 1 - Case studies of flexible-by-default in practice
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Section 09
Resource 2 - Flexible working options
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Section 10
Resource 3 - The benefits of flexible working
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Section 11
Resource 4 - Establishing formal and informal flexible working arrangements
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Section 12
Resource 5 - Agency self-assessment tool
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Section 13
Resource 6 - Example communication objectives and key messages
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Section 14
Resource 7 - Common questions, concerns and responses
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Section 15
Resource 8 - Flexible working challenges and suggestions for addressing these
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Section 16
Resource 9 - Tips for leaders, managers, employees and teams
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Section 17
Resource 10 - Addressing health and safety, and information security and privacy
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Section 18
References and further reading
This guidance is currently being reviewed to ensure it aligns with Government expectations as announced on Monday 23 September.
The following principles underpin this guidance and the attached resources. Agencies can use these principles as key messages to engage with leaders, managers, employees and unions and as they embed flexible-by-default.1
Flexible-by-default is:
IF NOT, WHY NOT?
All roles are treated as flexible unless there is a genuine business reason for a role not to be.
Flexibility is equally available to women, men and gender-diverse employees, irrespective of the reason for wanting it. Working flexibly does not undermine career progression or pay.
WORKS FOR THE ROLE
Every role should be suitable for some form of flexibility but not every type of flexibility will work for every role. Genuine business reasons may mean that some types of flexibility cannot be implemented for some roles.
WORKS FOR AGENCIES AND TEAMS
Flexible working should not be viewed as something which is just agreed between an employee and manager. This means that the impact of flexible arrangements should be considered on teams, and the agency as a whole.
REQUIRES GIVE AND TAKE
Flexibility requires give and take between the employee, manager and team. It also places collective obligations on employees, managers and teams to be open and adaptable so that it works for everyone.
MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL
Flexible working needs to work for the agency, teams and employees. Consideration should be given to how flexible work arrangements can maintain or enhance service delivery and the performance of agencies, teams and employees. It should not result in increased workloads for employees working flexibly, or for other team members who are not.
ACTIVELY CHAMPIONED BY LEADERS
Leaders support, champion and role model flexible working for their teams and themselves.
1The Principles have been adapted from the NSW Public Service Commission Discussion Paper: Flexible Working Strategy: https://psa.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Flexible-Working-Discussion-Paper.pdf © State of New South Wales acting through the Public Service Commission.