Interview with Business Essentials Daily

"Can I force my staff back to the office?"

Our Managing Director Athena Koelmeyer, was recently interviewed for the long-running Business Essentials podcast, about what happens when employees resist returning to the office.

Our Managing Director Athena Koelmeyer, was recently interviewed for the long-running Business Essentials podcast, about what happens when employees resist returning to the office. Athena said “this will be the start of a difficult conversation between employer and employee, but the legal rules are clear.”

Flexible Working Arrangements

Our Managing Director and Principal, Athena Koelmeyer, will explore one of the most challenging frontiers employers are facing today, flexible work arrangements.

May 7, 2026

Events

Athena Koelmeyer speaks to SmartCompany about requests for flexible working arrangements

Our Managing Director and Principal, Athena Koelmeyer, recently spoke to SmartCompany about the key takeaways from the decision Chandler v Westpac Banking Corporation [2025] FWC 3115

November 10, 2025

Media Releases

No “cause-and-effect” relationship between employee’s request for flexible working arrangements and their parental responsibilities

Request denied

An employee will only be eligible to request flexible working arrangements if their request for changed arrangements is “because of” one of the prescribed circumstances set out under section 65(1A) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).

November 10, 2025

Blogs

flexible working arrangements

covid-19

flexibility

reasonably practicable

Giving Thanks

Reading Jon Gordon’s book, The Energy Bus has long been a part of our staff onboarding process and gratitude is a big part of Jon’s philosophy around building happy environments at work and home.

December 2, 2025

Media Releases

Workplace Law x Wests APIA FC

We are excited to announce our newest community partnership with Wests APIA FC! Wests APIA FC is a landmark partnership between Wests Ashfield (Holman Barnes Group) and APIA Leichhardt Football Club.

November 10, 2025

Media Releases

Athena Koelmeyer speaks to SmartCompany about requests for flexible working arrangements

Our Managing Director and Principal, Athena Koelmeyer, recently spoke to SmartCompany about the key takeaways from the decision Chandler v Westpac Banking Corporation [2025] FWC 3115

November 10, 2025

Media: Media Releases

"Can I force my staff back to the office?"