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Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 (Workplace Relations Commission Code of Practice on the Right to Request Flexible Working and the Right to Request Remote Working) Order 2024
Overview
The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 (Workplace Relations Commission Code of Practice on the Right to Request Flexible Working and the Right to Request Remote Working) Order 2024 is a legislative instrument aimed at enhancing work-life balance for employees in Ireland. The Order builds upon the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) Code of Practice. It introduces provisions related to the right to request flexible working and the right to request remote working, providing a legal framework for employees to achieve a better balance between their work and personal lives.
The key requirements off this Order include:
- Right to Request Flexible Working: The Order grants employees the right to request flexible working arrangements, such as changes to their working hours, patterns, or location, to accommodate their personal circumstances. Employers are required to consider such requests in a reasonable manner and may only refuse them for specific reasons outlined in the legislation.
- Right to Request Remote Working: Similarly, the Order establishes the right to request remote working, allowing employees to work from a location other than their usual place of work. Employers must assess such requests objectively and may refuse them based on legitimate business grounds.
- Procedure for Requesting: The Order sets out a clear procedure for employees to follow when requesting flexible or remote working arrangements. This includes submitting a written request to their employer, outlining the proposed changes and the reasons for the request.
- Employer Obligations: Employers are required to engage in a meaningful discussion with employees regarding their request for flexible or remote working. They must provide a written decision within a specified timeframe and can only refuse a request for valid reasons.
- Appeals Process: The Order establishes an appeals process for employees who are dissatisfied with their employer’s decision regarding their request for flexible or remote working. Employees can appeal to the WRC, which will review the case and make a final determination.
This Order came into effect on the 12th of March 2024 and applies to the Republic of Ireland.

Does this Order affect my business?
This Order will have significant implications for businesses in Ireland. They require employers to adopt a more flexible approach to working arrangements, which can have both positive and negative impacts. Other impacts may include:
- Improved Employee Satisfaction: Flexible and remote working arrangements can improve employee morale and job satisfaction, leading to increased productivity and retention.
- Attraction of Talent: Offering flexible working options can make a company more attractive to potential employees, particularly those seeking a better work-life balance.
- Cost Savings: Remote working can reduce overhead costs associated with office space and utilities.
- Operational Challenges: Implementing flexible and remote working arrangements may present operational challenges, such as ensuring effective communication and collaboration among remote teams.
- Compliance Costs: Businesses may incur costs associated with implementing and managing flexible working arrangements, such as providing equipment and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Businesses will need to review their existing policies and practices to ensure compliance with the new requirements. Additionally, businesses may need to invest in technology and infrastructure to support remote working arrangements and ensure effective communication and collaboration among remote teams.
Do I need this Order in my ISO Compliance Register?
The Order applies to all employers in Ireland, regardless of size or sector. However, its impact may vary depending on the nature of the business and its workforce. Businesses with a large number of employees or those operating in industries where remote working is feasible, such as technology or professional services, may face greater challenges in implementing the new requirements.
Therefore, we highly recommend that you include this Order in your ISO Compliance Register.
Legislation related to this Order
Legislation related to this Order include:
- Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023
- Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023
More information
Visit the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 (Workplace Relations Commission Code of Practice on the Right to Request Flexible Working and the Right to Request Remote Working) Order 2024 article on the irishstatutebook.ie website.
Create an account in the ISO Compliance Register App and add this article to your Register.