Maximum hours policy template
A policy defining maximum working hours, overtime limits and scheduling restrictions. Supports compliance with National Employment Standards, awards and fatigue management requirements.
Maximum hours policy
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Why you need a maximum hours policy
Under the National Employment Standards, full-time employees cannot be required to work more than 38 ordinary hours per week. However, employers can request reasonable additional hours. What constitutes 'reasonable' depends on multiple factors.
A documented maximum hours policy ensures consistent management of working hours, prevents excessive overtime, and supports fatigue management. It also clarifies employee rights to refuse unreasonable additional hours.
Without clear guidelines, you risk NES breaches, fatigue-related incidents and disputes about overtime expectations.
Key elements of a maximum hours policy
What your maximum hours policy should include
Maximum ordinary hours
Standard weekly hour limits under NES — 38 hours per week for full-time employees.
Overtime limits
When overtime is required and limits on reasonable additional hours.
Averaging arrangements
How hours may be averaged over longer periods under awards.
Fatigue management
Preventing excessive hours that create safety and wellbeing risks.
NES compliance
Alignment with National Employment Standards on working hours.
Employee rights
Right to refuse unreasonable additional hours.
What's included in this template
Comprehensive coverage of working hour requirements
Purpose & scope
Why the policy exists and who it applies to.
Policy statement
The organisation's commitment to managing working hours.
Ordinary hours
Standard working hours and how they are calculated.
Maximum weekly hours
Upper limits on total hours worked per week.
Overtime
When overtime applies and how it is managed.
Reasonable additional hours
Factors determining reasonableness of extra hours.
Averaging arrangements
Provisions for averaging hours over periods.
Fatigue management
Preventing excessive hours for safety reasons.
Monitoring and compliance
How hours are tracked and limits enforced.
Record keeping
Documentation of hours worked.
Who should use this template?
Essential for all Australian employers
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect the National Employment Standards and Australian workplace laws at the time of publication. It is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
Working hour limits may vary by award and enterprise agreement. You should check your applicable industrial instruments and tailor this template accordingly. Seek independent legal or HR advice where needed.
Regulatory sources
This template is aligned with Australian workplace rostering requirements.
Automate this policy with RosterElf. Our rostering software includes roster warnings, and our HR software stores policies digitally for easy employee access.
Ready to manage working hours compliantly?
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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.