Est. Read Time: 9 mins | Last Updated: 22 December 2025 01:40 AM
Flexible Working Request Template
Using a formal flexible working request template is the most effective way for Aotearoa New Zealand employees to exercise their statutory rights under the Employment Relations Act 2000. By providing a structured, professional document, you ensure all legal requirements are met, making it significantly easier for your employer to process and approve your request for a better work-life balance.
The Legal Framework for a Flexible Working Request Template
In New Zealand, every employee has the legal right to request a variation to their working arrangements at any time. This right is enshrined in Part 6AA of the Employment Relations Act 2000. Unlike some other jurisdictions, there is no longer a requirement to have worked for a specific period before making a request.
Whether you are looking to work from home, change your start and finish times, or move to a four-day week, your flexible working request template serves as the formal vehicle for this negotiation. It is essential to understand that while you have the right to request, the employer has a duty to consider the request in good faith.
“The shift toward flexible working in Aotearoa is not just a trend; it is a fundamental change in how we view productivity and employee well-being within the local market.”
How do I legally request flexible working in New Zealand?
To legally request flexible working, your application must be in writing. Using a standardized flexible working request template ensures you don’t miss the mandatory details required by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
- State your name and the date of the application.
- Reference Part 6AA of the Employment Relations Act 2000.
- Specify the variation you are seeking (e.g., remote work, part-time).
- State whether the variation is permanent or for a fixed period.
- Propose a specific start date and, if applicable, an end date.
What should be included in a flexible working request template?
A high-quality flexible working request template should be more than just a list of demands. It is a tool for negotiation and partnership. To increase your chances of success, you should include a section explaining how the change might benefit the team or how you plan to mitigate any potential issues.
For instance, if you are requesting to leave early on Tuesdays for family support reasons, explain how you will ensure your KPIs are met through earlier start times or by completing tasks on different days. This proactive approach demonstrates “good faith”—a cornerstone of New Zealand employment law.
Sample Template Text
Dear [Manager Name],
I am writing to formally request a variation to my working arrangements under Part 6AA of the Employment Relations Act 2000. I would like to propose the following changes: [Insert Change, e.g., Working from home on Mondays and Fridays].
I propose that this change commences on [Date]. I believe this variation will [Explain benefit, e.g., allow for better focus on deep-work tasks]. To ensure no disruption to the team, I suggest [Explain mitigation].
I look forward to your response within the statutory timeframe of one month.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Can an employer refuse a flexible working request under NZ law?
Yes, an employer can refuse a request, but they must follow a specific process. Under NZ law, the employer must provide a written decision as soon as possible, and no later than one month after receiving the request. If they refuse, they must state the specific business ground for the refusal and explain why that ground applies to your situation.
- Inability to reorganise work among existing staff.
- Inability to recruit additional staff.
- Detrimental impact on quality or performance.
- Insufficiency of work during the periods the employee proposes to work.
- Planned structural changes.
- Burden of additional costs.
Navigating Family Support and Social Services Interpretation
In the context of New Zealand Family Support and Social Services Interpretation, flexible work is often a lifeline. Many employees require these templates to manage caregiving responsibilities or to engage with community support systems. When drafting your request, mentioning your role as a caregiver can provide vital context, although the legal right to request is universal regardless of the reason.
For those working within the social services sector itself, flexibility is often built into the culture, yet a formal flexible working request template remains necessary to protect both the worker and the organization legally. It ensures that service delivery remains consistent while staff well-being is prioritized.
Key Takeaways
- The flexible working request template must be submitted in writing.
- Reference the Employment Relations Act 2000 to ensure legal compliance.
- Employers have exactly one month to respond to your request in writing.
- Refusals must be based on one of the specific “recognised business grounds.”
- Flexibility supports family well-being and long-term productivity in the NZ market.
For more information on your rights, visit the Employment New Zealand website or consult the New Zealand Legislation portal.