Australian Dad’s Work-From-Home Plea Denied by Employer

Court Rejects Bid for Hybrid Schedule to Aid Childcare

An Australian father’s request to work from home two days a week for childcare purposes has been unsuccessful after his employer rejected the proposal.

Childcare vs. Workplace Demands

The father, identified as **Paul Collins**, a technical specialist at global software firm Intersystems Australia, initiated legal proceedings with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) after failing to reach an agreement with his employer. His application, lodged in January, cited the need to care for his two school-aged children, aged 8 and 10, and a desire for improved “work-life balance.”

Intersystems’ Hybrid Model History

Collins had previously operated under a hybrid model, working remotely two days a week during the latter part of 2024. This arrangement was part of the company’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Intersystems Australia is known for its online record system, TrakCare, which facilitates health information sharing within the healthcare sector.

The Growing Trend of Remote Work

The case highlights the ongoing negotiation between employee flexibility and employer needs. In 2023, a report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicated that approximately 36% of Australian employees worked from home at least some of the time, demonstrating a significant shift in traditional work structures.