Time & attendance HR policy templates

The foundational policy covering how working hours, breaks and attendance are recorded and used for payroll. Start here, then add the specific policies your workplace needs.

Sets out acceptable methods and timing for recording start and finish times, so every shift is captured accurately and consistently.

Sets expectations for honest, accurate time recording and makes clear why truthful entries matter for correct pay and Fair Work compliance.

Defines who reviews and approves timesheets, with clear deadlines before payroll cut-off and a process for resolving discrepancies.

Sets standards for regular attendance and punctuality, including absence notification requirements and the consequences of poor attendance.

Defines meal break and rest period requirements during shifts, supporting award entitlements and employee wellbeing through adequate rest.

Sets out how overtime is recorded and pre-approved, so extra hours are documented clearly and captured correctly in time records.

Addresses overtime worked without prior approval — how it is handled, the authorisation expected, and consequences for repeated breaches.

Provides a clear process for forgotten or missed clock-ins, with manager approval, documentation and sensible limits on manual adjustments.

Establishes how attendance is verified — photo capture, biometric options and supervisor sign-off — to confirm recorded hours are genuine.

Guides the use of GPS and geofencing for clock-ins, covering when location tracking applies, privacy considerations and how data is used.

Addresses buddy punching, padded hours and false timesheets — defining time theft, the investigation process and the consequences.