Navigating Award Complexities and the Path to Workplace Adaptability

Navigating the complexities of Modern Awards can be a daunting task, even for seasoned employment lawyers and/or industrial relations gurus, given the intricate nature of these legal documents. Awards are however essential for providing protections to employees but are often criticised for their lack of user-friendliness and outdated provisions that struggle to align with contemporary workplace practices.
Recently, The BelRose Group assisted a client whose workplace policies aimed to offer flexibility in working hours and location. However, they faced a hurdle with the particular Award that covered them, which imposed restrictive conditions on some roles working hours, limiting them to conventional weekdays and times.
Award limitations in accommodating flexible work arrangements highlights the need for employment frameworks that can adapt to the evolving needs of today’s workforce.
To resolve this, we guided our client in utilising an Individual Flexibility Agreement (IFA), a mechanism within modern awards that allows for the modification of certain Award terms. By developing an IFA that met the Better Off Overall Test (BOOT), we facilitated a solution that enabled our client’s employees to achieve the desired workplace flexibility.
Do you need help interpretating Awards and Conditions relevant for your workplace? If so, reach out to The BelRose Group team at info@belrosegroup.com.au or 1300 308 707.