Timekeeping & timesheets policy template
Set clear requirements for recording work hours, breaks and timesheet submission. Ensures accurate pay, award compliance and proper record-keeping under the Fair Work Act.
Timekeeping policy
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Why your business needs a timekeeping policy
Under the Fair Work Act 2009, employers must keep accurate records of employee hours, including start and finish times, breaks and overtime. Failure to maintain proper records can result in penalties up to $33,000 per breach.
A documented timekeeping policy sets clear expectations for how employees record their hours and how managers approve timesheets. This protects both your business and your staff, ensuring everyone is paid correctly and records can withstand Fair Work scrutiny.
Without clear timekeeping rules, you risk payroll errors, award breaches, disputes with employees and penalties from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Key elements of a timekeeping policy
What your timekeeping and timesheets policy should include
Recording requirements
Clear standards for how employees must record their work hours and breaks.
Break recording
Requirements for accurately recording meal breaks and rest periods.
Timesheet accuracy
Expectations for honest and accurate recording of all hours worked.
Approval processes
How timesheets are reviewed, approved and processed by managers.
Correction procedures
Process for employees and managers to correct timesheet errors.
Record retention
How long timesheet records are kept to meet legal requirements.
What's included in this template
Comprehensive coverage of timesheet requirements
Purpose & scope
Why accurate timekeeping matters and who must comply.
Policy statement
The organisation's commitment to accurate time recording and fair pay.
Recording work hours
How to clock in/out and record start and finish times.
Break recording
Requirements for recording meal breaks and rest periods.
Timesheet submission
Deadlines and procedures for submitting timesheets.
Manager approval
Manager responsibilities for reviewing and approving hours.
Corrections and adjustments
How to fix errors or omissions in timesheets.
Overtime recording
Specific requirements for recording and approving overtime.
Record retention
How records are stored to comply with Fair Work Act requirements.
Consequences for falsification
Disciplinary action for falsifying or manipulating timesheets.
Who should use this template?
Essential for every award-covered workplace
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian workplace laws at the time of publication. It is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
You should review and tailor this template to suit your business, applicable awards and workplace practices. For complex award interpretation, seek independent HR or legal advice.
Regulatory sources
This template is aligned with the National Employment Standards under the Fair Work Act.
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Ready to establish clear timekeeping standards?
Download our comprehensive timekeeping policy template and ensure accurate pay and Fair Work compliance.
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Disclaimer
This document is a general HR template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.