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Requests for flexible working arrangements form part of the National Employment Standards (NES). The NES apply to all employees covered by the national workplace relations system and can't be excluded by any award, agreement or contract. The NES include a right for certain employees to request flexible working arrangements (such as changes in hours of work) from their employer. An employer can only refuse a request on 'reasonable business grounds' and if the employer has followed certain steps. If a state or territory law provides an employee with a better entitlement to flexible working arrangements, that law will continue to apply. For further information on developing flexible workplace strategies to achieve work-life balance and their benefits, see our Flexible working arrangements best practice guide at fairwork.gov.au/bestpracticeguides