Opposition Senate leader Eric Abetz says the federal government is embracing the coalition's view that there needs be be more flexibility in workplaces.

Senator Abetz also says it's a "seismic shift" to see Labor discussing flexibility at all, adding that in the past Labor has tied the coalition concept to lowering workers conditions.

"Whenever we mention flexibility Labor would always get into this faux outrage, now they're adopting the same language," he told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday.

"We believe that flexibility is vital."

Senator Abetz was responding to the prime minister's recent announcement about plans to make it easier for some employees to request flexible working arrangements.

The changes would apply to people aged over 55, those who have finished parental leave, people with a disability or carer's responsibilities, domestic violence victims and parents of school-aged children.

The proposed changes would extend the current right to request flexible working arrangements, but employers would not be obliged to agree.

As well, Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten has other plans to address bullying in the workplace by allowing victims a fast and inexpensive way to have claims heard by the industrial watchdog, under changes to the Fair Work Act.

Senator Abetz claims Mr Shorten's idea amounts to little more than "thought bubbles" and has been developed without proper industry consultation.

He says workplace bullying is a great concern although the vast majority of cases are between workers and fellow co-workers.

"We will approach them with an open mind," Senator Abetz said of the government's measures.