A recent Fair Work Commission ruling involving a major Australian bank has clarified what employers can — and can’t — do when it comes to refusing requests to work from home.

In the case, the Commission found that the employer failed to meet key requirements under the Fair Work Act, including responding within 21 days, providing valid business reasons, and engaging in genuine consultation with the employee. As a result, the employee’s request to work remotely was upheld.

The decision reinforces that flexible working requests must be handled carefully and on their merits. Employers need to show specific, evidence-based reasons if they intend to refuse — general statements about productivity or collaboration aren’t enough.

For Central Queensland businesses, this is an important reminder to:

• Review internal hybrid and remote work policies.
• Ensure managers understand procedural obligations.
• Respond promptly and transparently to flexible work requests.

You can read the full article, including expert commentary from Business Chamber Queensland’s Workplace Relations team, here:
👉 Read the full article on Business Chamber Queensland