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An employee's permanent flexible work request denial was "squarely focused" on the employer's operational requirements, and it was reasonable to instead trial the arrangements for three months, a commission has ruled.

In June this year, the Queensland Health principal dentist submitted a flexible work arrangements (FWA) application, seeking either: a permanent change from a nine-day fortnight to an eight-day fortnight (with 10-hour shifts); or a temporary change to 10-hour shifts over eight days, for three months, and if he met certain goals during that time, then a commitment to permanently convert him to the eight-day arrangement.

In considering the employee's request, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service's chief executive said he couldn't facilitate a permanent change at the time, but approved the temporary arrangement...