100% free performance & employment HR policy templates
Clear, professional templates to help manage employee performance, development and employment lifecycle. 100% free, fully editable and aligned with Australian workplace laws.
Browse templatesWhat are performance & employment HR policies?
Performance and employment policies establish clear frameworks for managing the employee lifecycle from probation through to exit. They cover performance expectations, development opportunities, disciplinary processes and termination procedures.
These policies help businesses comply with Fair Work requirements, ensure procedural fairness in disciplinary matters and create consistent processes for managing performance. Essential for protecting both employers and employees while maintaining productive workplace relationships.
Capability Management Policy
Provides a framework for managing employees who are not meeting performance standards due to skill or ability gaps. Covers assessment, support, improvement plans and potential outcomes.
Read moreExit Management Policy
Establishes procedures for managing employee departures professionally. Covers resignation handling, exit interviews, knowledge transfer, final pay and return of company property.
Read moreMisconduct Policy
Defines what constitutes misconduct and serious misconduct in the workplace. Outlines investigation procedures, disciplinary actions and the right to procedural fairness.
Read morePerformance Management Policy
Sets out the framework for managing employee performance including goal setting, feedback, reviews and performance improvement processes. Aligned with fair and consistent practices.
Read moreProbation Policy
Outlines the probationary period process for new employees including duration, assessment criteria, feedback mechanisms and outcomes. Helps ensure fair evaluation of new hires.
Read moreTermination of Employment Policy
Covers the various ways employment can end including resignation, redundancy and dismissal. Outlines notice periods, final entitlements and compliance with Fair Work requirements.
Read moreTraining & Development Policy
Establishes the organisation's approach to employee learning and development. Covers training needs assessment, development opportunities, study assistance and career progression.
Read moreCommon performance & employment issues employers face
Without clear policies, these situations become harder to manage
Unclear expectations
Employees unsure of performance standards
Unfair dismissal claims
Terminations without proper process
Probation confusion
Unclear assessment criteria for new hires
Misconduct disputes
No clear definitions or procedures
No development path
Employees leaving due to lack of growth
Poor offboarding
Knowledge loss and incomplete handovers
These templates help you manage performance and employment consistently and fairly.
What should a performance & employment policy include?
Essential sections for comprehensive policies
This is why we offer multiple templates—each covers different aspects of performance and employment management.
Who these templates are best for
What happens without these policies?
Without policies
- Unclear performance expectations
- Risk of unfair dismissal claims
- Inconsistent disciplinary actions
- Poor employee retention
With policies
- Clear standards for all employees
- Defensible termination processes
- Fair and consistent treatment
- Engaged and developing workforce
Legal disclaimer
These templates are designed to reflect Australian workplace standards and Fair Work principles at the time of publication. They are provided as a general guide only and do not constitute legal advice.
Performance management and termination processes must comply with Fair Work Act requirements including procedural fairness. Your specific obligations may vary based on your modern award, enterprise agreement or employment contracts. For complex situations, independent legal or HR advice should be sought.
Why these policies matter
Well-defined performance and employment policies create clarity for both managers and employees. They ensure everyone understands expectations, processes and consequences.
Clear policies also protect your business by demonstrating compliance with Fair Work requirements and procedural fairness. They provide documentation that supports defensible decision-making in performance and termination matters.
These templates give you a strong foundation for managing the employment lifecycle professionally and legally.
Performance & employment policies FAQ
- Typically annually, with informal check-ins quarterly. New employees should have more frequent reviews during probation. Our Performance Management Policy establishes your review framework.
- A PIP is a formal process to help underperforming employees improve. It sets clear goals, timelines and support measures. Use our PIP template and ensure you follow procedural fairness throughout.
- Yes, but only after following proper performance management processes. You must give warnings, opportunity to improve, support and time. Jumping to dismissal without proper process risks unfair dismissal claims. See our Capability Policy.
- Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) that align with business objectives. Document them clearly and review progress regularly. Our performance review template provides a structured format.
- Capability is when an employee cannot meet standards despite trying (skill/ability issue). Misconduct is when they will not meet standards (behaviour/conduct issue). Each requires different management approaches outlined in our Capability and Misconduct policies.
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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.