Professor Robert Kelly, a dad and expert on Korea, showed us this week how flexible work arrangements, for him working from home, can suit some families.
The video of him doing a live BBC interview and being interrupted by his two young children has gone viral.
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Robert Kelly's viral video interview
In the days since their children crashed a live BBC interview, Professor Robert Kelly and his wife Jung-A Kim say they have had to switch their phones off and avoid social media.
The funny video has not been immune to social media commentary, and some of that discussion has been around the role of men and women in child rearing, as well as flexible work.
What are your rights in Australia to request flexible work arrangements and can your employer refuse?
Certain employees have the right under the law to request a flexible arrangement to assist them with their circumstances.
You must have been with your employer for at least 12 months to be eligible to make a request.
If you are a casual employee, there are additional requirements to meet.
These categories of employees include parents or those who have the responsibility for the care of a child who is school aged or under, carers, those with a disability, those who are 55 or older, or a person experiencing family violence.
![Professor Robert Kelly remained calm during the interview, despite the interruption.](/web/20170318082424im_/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/v/v/q/c/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gv0i1o.png/1489722805646.jpg)
Flexible working arrangements can come in many different forms, such as:
- Varied hours of work (for example, changes to start and finish times, reduced hours)
- Varied patterns of work (such as job-sharing arrangements)
- Varied location of work (for example, working from home, modifications to a work station)
The request should be in writing, detailing the flexibility required and the rationale behind the request.
The law requires an employer to respond to a request within 21 days. The employer is not obliged to approve all requests; however they can only refuse a request on reasonable business grounds.
Grounds that may be a reasonable refusal are things like significant costs involved with the change, being unable to change other employee's work arrangements or hire new employees to accommodate the flexibility or the change would lead to a significant loss of productivity in the business.
If the employer fails to make reasonable adjustments, the employee may have recourse under anti-discrimination law.
If you think your request has been unfairly refused, you should contact Fair Work Australia or seek legal advice.