Flexible Work

The flexible work guiding principles

This section outlines the flexible work guiding principles and their meanings.

Flexibility is valued and supported which means:

• the case for flexibility in schools is understood and supported
• planning and decision-making occur with an open mind and can-do attitude to flexibility
• principals apply a strategic and proactive approach to flexible work and employee worklife balance
• principals use supportive management skills — communication, feedback, mentoring, trust, respect and consistency

Flexibility aligns with the achievement of school outcomes which means:

• the achievement of school goals is a priority, it must be addressed in flexible work decision-making and work design and scheduling
• the impact on all stakeholders is understood

Flexibility is a two-way process — considering individual and school needs which means:

• flexibility requires organisational accountability and individual responsibility
• leaders put teaching and learning at the heart of decision-making
• employees take responsibility for positive outcomes in their written proposals and collaborate to make implementation work. Flexibility should not be a barrier to career progression

Flexibility is available to all employees, and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis which means:

• flexibility for work-life balance is an option for all employees (this includes men, women, school leaders) but case-by-case decisions based on individual, organisational and legal considerations are required
• an equitable process does not mean that all requests for flexible work will result in the same outcome

Flexibility requires open communication and transparent, fair and sound decision making which means:

• information on flexible work options is widely circulated
• an open conversation is critical for evaluation and assessment of requests for flexible work arrangements; however, the final decision rests with the principal
• documentation of key outcomes from discussions is important to avoid future misunderstandings

Flexibility requires room for review and change which means:

• flexible arrangements must be able to be altered, to meet changing circumstances in the school or for the employee flexible arrangements need to be regularly reviewed