Checklist - Request Checklist

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Basics

A request for flexible working arrangements under Part 6AA must:

• Be in writing.
• State the employee’s name.
• Be dated.
• State that the request is being made under Part 6AA of the Employment Relations Act 2000.
• Explain the desired working arrangement and whether the new working arrangement will be permanent or for a period of time.
• Specify the date on which the employee proposes the new working arrangement take effect and, if the new working arrangement is for a period of time, the date on which the new working arrangement will end.
• Explain how the variation will help the employee provide better care for the person concerned.
• Explain, in the employee’s view, what changes (if any) the employer may need to make to the employer’s arrangements if the request is approved, eg, changes to the way the team works together, changes to the physical set up of  the workplace etc.

Things to consider

• Keep in mind that a new working arrangement will normally be a permanent change unless otherwise requested and agreed.
• Don’t forget that if your request is approved, you can’t simply revert back to your former hours of work if and when you want.
• Remember, you will probably have to agree to a reduction in pay if you want your employer to agree to you working fewer hours.
• If you have colleagues or friends who are already working flexibly, ask them about their experiences.
• Consider how your colleagues will manage if your working arrangement is changed.
• Think carefully about what effect changing your working arrangement will have on your job.
• You might wish to discuss with your employer before you take parental leave that you are interested in requesting to work flexibly on your return.
• If you want the changes to start on your return from parental leave, you should make your request in good time.
• If in doubt, you might want to discuss a trial period with your employer.
• You might be able to agree to have a trial period before the time frame for the formal request starts running [link to section on trial periods].

Back to Flexible working arrangements: a guide for employees and employers