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An employee has been ordered by the Fair Work Commission to return to the office one day per week, after refusing a reasonable direction to do so while his flexible work dispute was being determined.

The FedEx clearance classifier had started his role in 2015 working full-time in the office, before reducing to four days in 2019. After requiring employees to work from home during COVID lockdowns, FedEx began directing them back to the office for two days per week in September 2022, then three days from June 2023.

The employee applied for a flexible working arrangement (FWA) that allowed him to work from home three days per week, stating that his children were homeschooled by his wife and had high needs. His wife also had a medical condition, he said, and by being at home he was able to support her wellbeing and help with small tasks.

In his application, the employee stated: "We are already struggling with the 2 days a week, but 3 days puts even more pressure on me. I hate asking for any type of exemption, but this would really help us. I understand that Fedex only wants us in the office to ensure our mental wellbeing so I am happy to continue to coming in 1 day a week and meet the company part way...