New online courses on workplace Ombudsman launches flexibility and diversity and discrimination from the Fair Work Ombudsman aim to help small businesses understand the law.

The courses also identify opportunities for offering flexible conditions in a way that can potentially benefit both employees and the performance of their business.

Fair Work Ombudsman representative Natalie James says the ombudsman acknowledges that many small businesses have concerns about meeting their obligations when it comes to flexibility in the workplace.

“That is why we have worked with small businesses when developing these courses, so we can be aware of the specific concerns and challenges facing them. The courses cut through the complexity and provide employers with the information, advice, tools and templates they most need,” she said.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for businesses to know and meet their legal obligations, and we want to show business the benefits that can result from a small business implementing the right flexibility opportunities and capitalising on their Ombudsman launches flexibility and diversity.

“Those benefits include attracting good quality staff, improved attendance, better retention of talented employees and having employees who are more engaged, productive and committed.”

The courses are interactive and video-based, and are built on stories of people and workplaces, in a way that attempts to resonate with small businesses.

The new courses can be accessed at www.fairwork.gov.au.