Flex time, otherwise known as flexi time, is a flexible working arrangement offered by employers that allows graduates to pick their own work hours. This means that you can create a working arrangement that takes into account other important commitments, including family, study, hobbies and interests, and maintaining a work-life balance. This article will outline the benefits of flex time for graduates and the different working arrangements available so that you can make an informed decision on whether it is suitable for you.
What is Flex Time?
Flex time is a flexible working arrangement where you can decide upon your own work schedule as opposed to adhering to traditionally fixed working hours and days. This includes selecting the number of hours you work each day or which days of the week you will work. You can choose when to start and finish your work for the day, as long as you fulfil your contractual weekly working hours. This can allow you to accommodate appointments, personal commitments, and other factors that may otherwise disrupt a traditional work day. The increase in flex time in the workplace can be credited to working from home arrangements introduced during COVID-19. Employers have become more flexible in their working arrangements policies. Nonetheless, the ability to have a flex time schedule will depend on the company and the role. A company may or may not provide flex time as an option for graduates. Flex time is also only available for roles and positions that can facilitate a flexible schedule. Some roles are naturally not suited for this arrangement, so you may not be able to readily access a flex time schedule.
What are the benefits of Flex Time?
You may choose to have a flex time working arrangement for a variety of reasons. Here are the most common benefits that flex time can have on employees:
Promotes Work-Life Balance
Flex time can allow you to have a better work-life balance as it accommodates personal circumstances that may impair your ability to work a traditional work week. You can therefore better balance your work and family commitments. Flex time is particularly beneficial for graduates who are interested in starting a family as it can allow you to self-manage childcare, and allow you to work around pick-up and drop-off times for childcares and schools. This can help you manage the stress and obligations of your commitments. For graduates who are interested in studying a postgraduate degree part-time, flex time can allow you to work around your class, study, and exam timetables. A work-life balance is not only necessary for your personal mental and physical wellbeing, but also for the wellbeing of the company. It can help facilitate more efficient and higher quality work from employees.
Prevents commuting delays
If you decide to have a flex time working arrangement, you can choose when to come into work. This can allow you to avoid the morning traffic and congested public transport. By beginning your work day slightly later, you can increase the likelihood of being punctual, reduce travel costs, and you can reduce your stress levels before you even begin the day’s work.
Better productivity
You are likely to become more productive with a flexible work schedule as the stress of managing your professional and personal life will be reduced. As you will have improved concentration, you will be able to become a more efficient and productive employee. This can also result in fewer instances of you taking sick leave as you will feel healthier and happier. You will also be able to advance your career within the company due to this increased productivity, resulting in a pay rise or promotion.
Reduces job changes
If you are happy with your working arrangement at a particular company, you have increased job satisfaction and are therefore less likely to seek employment elsewhere. A workplace that caters to your personal needs will lead you to feeling valued and part of a team. This also encourages company loyalty.
Who can benefit from Flex Time?
A graduate’s ability to benefit from flex time will depend on their role and industry. Some industries regularly implement flexible working arrangements, including the following:
- Healthcare
- Marketing
- Customer Service
- Business Consultancy
- Information Technology
- Education
- Finance
What can a flexible working arrangement look like?
A flexible working arrangement can differ depending on the role, industry, employer, and the personal needs of the employee. However, here are some common arrangements that employees use:
Staggered Hours
A staggered hours working schedule means that you start and finish work at different times. For example, one employee may begin work at 9:00 am and end at 4:00 pm while another may begin at 9:30 pm and end at 4:30 pm. This can allow you to work around your personal obligations and commitments while also allowing the employer to ensure that workflow is consistent.
Flexible Schedule
This means that your work hours are different for each day of the week, but consistent week-to-week. This is beneficial if you have regular personal obligations, like a doctor’s appointment every fortnight.
Short-term Arrangement
A short-term flex time arrangement means that your work hours may vary over a short period of time. This is particularly convenient if you are unwell or also studying part-time. You may choose to work less for a certain period of time and then revert back to the traditional working hours when a certain obligation is over.
Core Hours
This arrangement is used when a company provides a span of hours for employees to work during. Employees are usually presented with several options to choose from so that the schedule remains convenient for them.
Any Hours
An employer may allow their employees to work at any hour or day during the working week as long as they fulfil their expectations. This is the most flexible arrangement that can allow you to set your own schedule for each day.
What are NES Working Arrangements?
Under the National Employee Standards, employees may be eligible to request flexible working arrangements. They must have worked for their employer for a period greater than 12 months and they must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:
- The employee is the parent, or has the responsibility for the care, of a child who is school-aged or younger
- The employee is a career under the Carer Recognition Act 2010
- The employee has a disability
- The employee is at least 55-years-old
- The employee is pregnant
- The employee is experiencing family and domestic violence
- The employee is providing care or support to any immediate family or household member who is experiencing family and domestic violence
Graduates that satisfy the criteria can formally request a flexible working arrangement from their employer.
Entitlements to flexible working arrangements may also vary for graduates depending on state and territory laws, and employment awards or registered agreements.
Find out more about what to look for in grad programs here.