100% free time & attendance HR policy templates
Comprehensive templates to help manage employee time tracking, attendance recording and timesheet processes. 100% free, fully editable and aligned with Australian workplace laws.
Browse templatesWhat are time & attendance HR policies?
Time and attendance policies establish clear guidelines for how employees record their working hours, breaks and attendance. They cover everything from clock-in procedures and timesheet accuracy to overtime recording and attendance verification.
These policies help businesses maintain accurate payroll records, comply with Fair Work requirements and create consistent processes for managing time data. Essential for any business that needs reliable records of hours worked.
Attendance Compliance Policy
Establishes standards for attendance and punctuality. Covers expectations for regular attendance, notification requirements for absences and consequences of non-compliance with attendance standards.
Read moreBreaks & Rest Periods Policy
Defines requirements for meal breaks and rest periods during shifts. Helps support compliance with award break entitlements and promotes employee wellbeing through adequate rest during work hours.
Read moreClock-In & Clock-Out Policy
Outlines procedures for employees to record their start and finish times. Covers acceptable clock-in methods, timing requirements, and responsibilities for accurate time capture.
Read moreLocation-Based Time Tracking Policy
Establishes guidelines for GPS and geofencing time tracking. Covers when location tracking applies, privacy considerations, and how location data is used to verify attendance.
Read moreMissed Clock-In / Clock-Out Policy
Provides procedures for handling forgotten or missed clock-ins and clock-outs. Covers correction processes, documentation requirements and limits on manual adjustments.
Read moreOvertime Recording Policy
Defines how overtime hours must be recorded and approved. Covers pre-approval requirements, documentation standards and how overtime is captured in time records.
Read moreTime & Attendance Policy
The foundational policy covering all aspects of time and attendance management. Includes core principles, general procedures and how time records are maintained and used for payroll.
Read moreTime Theft & Fraud Policy
Addresses unauthorised manipulation of time records. Covers what constitutes time theft, investigation procedures, consequences and how the business prevents time fraud.
Read moreTimesheet Accuracy Policy
Sets expectations for accurate and honest time recording. Covers employee responsibilities, verification processes and the importance of truthful time entries for payroll accuracy.
Read moreTimesheet Approval Policy
Outlines the process for reviewing and approving employee timesheets. Covers manager responsibilities, approval deadlines, discrepancy resolution and payroll submission workflows.
Read moreUnauthorised Overtime Policy
Addresses overtime worked without prior approval. Covers expectations for obtaining authorisation, how unapproved overtime is handled and consequences of repeated breaches.
Read moreVerification & Proof of Attendance Policy
Establishes methods for verifying employee attendance. Covers photo verification, biometric options, supervisor sign-off and evidence standards for attendance records.
Read moreCommon time & attendance issues employers face
Without clear policies, these situations become harder to manage
Inaccurate time records
Employees forgetting to clock in or out
Unauthorised overtime
Extra hours worked without approval
Time theft concerns
Buddy punching or inflated hours
Break compliance issues
Breaks not taken or not recorded
Timesheet disputes
Disagreements about recorded hours
Payroll errors
Incorrect payments due to bad data
These templates help you manage time and attendance consistently and accurately.
What should time & attendance policies include?
Essential elements for effective time tracking governance
This is why we offer multiple templates—each covers different aspects of time and attendance management.
Who these templates are best for
What happens without time & attendance policies?
Without policies
- Inaccurate payroll and payment disputes
- No evidence of hours worked for compliance
- Overtime costs spiralling out of control
- Vulnerability to time theft and fraud
With policies
- Accurate payroll based on verified hours
- Clear records for Fair Work compliance
- Controlled overtime with approval processes
- Deterrence against time fraud
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.
Time and attendance record-keeping must comply with Fair Work Act requirements. Employers must keep accurate records of hours worked for 7 years. For specific compliance advice, independent legal or HR advice should be sought.
Why time & attendance policies matter
Clear time and attendance policies create accountability for both managers and employees. They ensure hours are recorded accurately, breaks are taken as required and overtime is properly authorised and documented.
Well-documented policies also protect your business by demonstrating compliance with record-keeping requirements and providing evidence in case of disputes. They reduce payroll errors and create a foundation for accurate workforce costing.
These templates give you a comprehensive framework for managing all aspects of employee time tracking professionally and compliantly.
Time & attendance policies FAQ
- Common methods include physical time clocks, app-based clock-ins, biometric systems, or manual timesheets. Choose methods appropriate for your workplace and workforce. Our Clock-In/Out Policy establishes your requirements.
- Yes, for mobile or field workers where location verification is reasonable. You must inform employees in advance and use location data only for attendance verification. Our Location Tracking Policy covers privacy and usage requirements.
- Have a clear correction process with manager approval. Set limits on how many corrections are acceptable without consequences. Our Missed Clock-In Policy and correction form manage these situations.
- Photo verification reduces time theft and buddy punching. It's reasonable for businesses with attendance concerns or multiple sites. Inform staff about photo capture and use. Our Verification Policy covers photo and other verification methods.
- Very accurate. Fair Work requires records of start/finish times and hours worked. Inaccurate records expose you to underpayment claims. Our Timesheet Accuracy Policy sets expectations for truthful recording.
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Try RosterElf freeDisclaimer
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.