Flexi-time

What Is Flexi-time?

Flexi-time is a flexible working arrangement that allows employees to vary their start and finish times, provided they work a predetermined number of hours within a specified timeframe. Instead of a strict 9-to-5 schedule, employees under flexi-time agreements can adjust their work hours to better suit personal responsibilities, commuting schedules, or peak productivity times, while still meeting business needs.

This flexibility benefits both employees and employers, supporting better work-life balance and enhancing workforce productivity, especially in industries where output matters more than physical presence.

Related Fair Work Info: Flexible Working Arrangements – Fair Work Ombudsman

How Does Flexi-time Work?

Flexi-time arrangements typically involve:

• Core hours: The hours during which employees must be present (e.g. 10:00am–3:00pm)
• Flexible bands: The times when employees can choose to start or finish work (e.g. 7:00am–10:00am start; 3:00pm–7:00pm finish)
• Agreed hours: Employees commit to working a total number of hours across a day, week, or roster cycle

Some businesses also allow for flexi-leave or flexi-banking, where employees accumulate extra hours and exchange them for time off later.

Flexi-time requires accurate time tracking and scheduling tools, this is where workforce software like Microkeeper becomes essential.

Explore how Microkeeper’s Employee Scheduling Software can facilitate your rostering tasks

Benefits of Flexi-time

For Employees

• Improved Work-Life Balance: Flexi-time helps workers manage childcare, study, health, or personal commitments without sacrificing income.
• Reduced Commuting Stress: Avoiding peak traffic hours leads to less stress and more productive workdays.
• Higher Job Satisfaction: Employees feel trusted and empowered, which can improve morale and reduce absenteeism.

For Employers

• Increased Productivity: Employees can work when they are most alert and focused.
• Enhanced Retention: Flexible work arrangements can help retain top talent and reduce turnover.
• Business Continuity: Staggered start and finish times can help maintain business coverage over extended hours or across time zones.
• Inclusivity: Supports participation from parents, carers, and employees with disabilities or chronic health conditions.

Flexi-time vs. Other Work Arrangements

Many employers combine flexi-time with hybrid or remote work, creating a modern workplace that meets evolving employee expectations.

Legal Considerations in Australia

Under the Fair Work Act 2009, certain employees have the right to request flexible working arrangements, including flexi-time. This includes:

• Parents or carers of school-age children
• People with disabilities
• Employees aged 55 or older
• Victims of family or domestic violence

While employers must consider such requests seriously, they can refuse on reasonable business grounds. It's best practice to document any flexi-time agreement clearly in the employee’s contract or company policy.

See also: Fair Work – Requests for Flexible Working Arrangements

How Microkeeper Helps Manage Flexi-time

Implementing flexi-time at scale requires smart tools. Microkeeper’s all-in-one workforce platform allows you to:

• Build dynamic rosters based on employee availability
• Capture accurate clock-in/out data via biometrics, mobile, or web
• Set core hours and monitor actual vs. scheduled time
• Automate award interpretation, ensuring compliance with overtime and penalty rates
• Track time bank balances for flexi-leave management
• Manage requests and approvals via the Employee Console

Discover Microkeeper’s All-in-One HR & Payroll Tools

FAQs About Flexi-time

Is flexi-time legal in Australia?

‍Yes. Flexi-time is legal and supported by the Fair Work Act. However, any arrangement should comply with the relevant award, enterprise agreement, and NES (National Employment Standards).

Can all employees request flexi-time?

‍Any employee can request flexi-time, but employers are only legally obliged to consider requests from certain employee groups under the Fair Work Act.

Does flexi-time affect payroll?

‍No, not if hours are tracked accurately. Payroll software like Microkeeper ensures that total hours worked (regardless of when) are properly calculated and paid.

How can I track flexible hours across a large team?

‍Use cloud-based systems like Microkeeper that record hours worked in real-time and apply your business’s custom rules for breaks, overtime, and scheduling.

Final Thoughts

Flexi-time is more than a workplace perk, it’s a strategic advantage in today’s competitive talent market. By offering flexibility, you not only support employee wellbeing but also boost productivity and business performance.

Whether you’re managing a hybrid team or just want to offer more autonomy to your staff, Microkeeper’s smart workforce platform makes flexi-time easy to track, manage, and optimise.

_{Disclaimer: This content is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your business, consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or an employment law professional.}