"The high demand for good skilled labour means our employers have already become more flexible in how they deal with their staff.
"This legislation puts it in a more formal context, but it will not automatically mean any major change to operations," he said in an interview.
The legislation which came in to force today was proposed by Green MP Sue Kedgley and supported by the Government.
Ms Kedgley said the new rights would become the norm and the rigid nine-to-five working week would gradually become a thing of the past.
"At present, flexible working arrangements are looked upon as a favour rather than as a legitimate working arrangement.
"I hope the new employment right will change that and employers will view flexible working arrangements as legitimate and productive working arrangements."
Many parents were under stress trying to juggle paid work and family responsibilities.
The new legislation should help them achieve a better balance between their family life and paid work, she said.
"I hope employers will realise the significant advantages of allowing more flexible working arrangements.
"Research shows that staff who work flexibly and have more say over the work are productive and motivated and there is less absenteeism, stress leave and staff turnover as a result," Ms Kedgley said.
Labour Minister Trevor Mallard said to be eligible for the right to ask for flexible working arrangements, workers must have worked for their employer for at least six months and be caring for someone.
If they met those minimum requirements, they could request flexible working arrangements that helped balance their work and care.
Employers must consider and respond to employee requests within three months and employees could make only one application in any 12-month period.
The new provisions were unlikely to have any effect on existing flexible working arrangements, he said.
Mr Christie said that most employers only thought about legislation when it started to affect their business and he believed it would be the same with flexible working hours.
He urged his members to visit the Department of Labour website (www.dol.govt.nz/worklife) to read about the requirements.
