Talking with your employer

It’s a good idea to talk with your employer about how to balance being an employee and a carer.

Many workplaces offer support for workers such as flexible working arrangements. More and more employers are recognising that supporting workers improves morale and productivity and helps to keep them in the job longer.

Remember, as a carer you have the right to ask for flexible working arrangements.

Who to talk with

In a large business, you can talk with human resources staff or your supervisor. In a small business, talk with the manager or owner.

What to talk about

You can ask your employer about arrangements that might make things easier for you. Some things that might help are:

• leaving work on time
• shorter hours
• different hours, such as starting or finishing earlier or later
• working from home for some or all of the time
• working from a different office

Even if you don’t want special arrangements, it’s a good idea to tell your employer about your situation so that they understand if there is an emergency or if your caring affects your work.

You can tell them as much or as little as you want. You don’t have to go into detail about the person you care for, or their medical condition.

Before you talk with your employer

Before you talk with your employer, you can:

• check your employment agreement to see if it includes any support for working carers
• read about the rights and responsibilities of both yourself and your employer
• talk with your colleagues – if any of them are in a similar situation, ask how they have managed it
• think about what you want to ask for

The Fair Work Ombudsman website has information about requesting flexible working arrangements and balancing work and family commitments.