Availability policy template
A comprehensive policy for managing employee availability and unavailability. Covers notice requirements, approval processes and how availability is factored into rostering decisions.
Availability policy
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Why you need an availability policy
Managing employee availability is essential for efficient rostering. A clear policy ensures managers know when staff are available to work, reducing scheduling conflicts and last-minute changes.
For casual and part-time employees especially, availability management is crucial. A documented policy sets expectations about how availability is communicated, what notice is required, and how it influences shift allocation.
Without clear guidelines, you face constant availability confusion, scheduling conflicts and difficulties filling shifts.
Key elements of an availability policy
What your availability policy should include
Availability submission
How employees submit their preferred working days and times.
Unavailability requests
Process for notifying unavailability for specific dates or periods.
Notice requirements
Minimum notice periods for submitting availability changes.
Approval process
How availability requests are reviewed and approved.
Rostering considerations
How availability is factored into roster creation.
Minimum availability
Any minimum availability requirements for employment.
What's included in this template
Comprehensive coverage of availability management
Purpose & scope
Why the policy exists and who it applies to.
Policy statement
The organisation's approach to managing availability.
Submitting availability
How and when to submit availability preferences.
Unavailability requests
Process for requesting time off or blocking dates.
Notice requirements
Timeframes for availability submissions and changes.
Approval process
How requests are assessed and approved.
Minimum availability expectations
Any baseline availability requirements.
Changes to availability
How to update ongoing availability.
Rostering and availability
How availability influences shift allocation.
Non-compliance
Consequences of not following availability procedures.
Who should use this template?
Essential for businesses with variable workforce needs
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian workplace standards 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 needs and employment arrangements. Seek independent legal or HR advice to support compliance.
Regulatory sources
This template is aligned with Australian workplace rostering requirements.
Automate this policy with RosterElf. Our rostering software includes staff availability management, and our HR software stores policies digitally for easy employee access.
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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.