How do free HR tools help build better rosters?

They centralise employee details so managers can create more accurate shift patterns using the auto scheduling feature (/features/rostering-software/auto-scheduling/).

Can free HR tools improve how small businesses manage staff availability?

Yes, they keep availability up to date, which flows into the roster through the availability management tool (/features/rostering-software/staff-availability-management/).

How do free HR resources support managers when creating templates?

They help standardise information so recurring patterns fit cleanly into roster templates (/features/rostering-software/roster-templates/).

Why are free HR tools useful for businesses with multiple locations?

They keep staff records consistent across sites, which simplifies planning in multi site rostering (/features/rostering-software/multi-site-rostering/).

Do free HR tools help managers keep labour costs under control?

Accurate employee data reduces guessing during scheduling and supports decisions made with labour budgeting tools (/features/rostering-software/labour-budgeting/).

How do free HR tools improve time and attendance accuracy?

They store key staff details that support cleaner clock in records captured through the kiosk time clock (/features/time-and-attendance/kiosk-time-clock/).

Can free HR templates help prevent time theft?

Clear expectations make attendance easier to manage, especially when paired with photo proof clock ins (/features/time-and-attendance/photo-proof/).

Do free HR tools support real time attendance visibility?

Yes, when combined with live monitoring through the live attendance dashboard (/features/time-and-attendance/live-attendance/).

How do free HR trackers help ensure staff are at the correct location?

They maintain accurate site assignments, which work alongside GPS geofencing tools (/features/time-and-attendance/gps-geofencing/).

Do free HR forms help with managing break entitlements?

They clarify rules for staff and support compliant rostering through break planning (/features/rostering-software/break-planning/).

How do free HR tools help ensure payroll accuracy?

They keep employee records consistent, which leads to cleaner timesheets exported through the Xero integration (/features/payroll-integration/xero).

Can free HR resources support award compliance for payroll?

Yes, they help maintain clear pay details that complement the award interpretation engine (/features/payroll-integration/award-interpretation/).

Do free HR tools help prevent payroll disputes?

Better record keeping reduces misunderstandings, especially when pay data flows through the MYOB integration (/features/payroll-integration/myob).

How do free HR templates support payroll audits?

They store consistent employee information that works cleanly with payroll integrations (/features/payroll-integration/).

Can free HR checklists help managers meet compliance obligations?

They clarify required steps, and complex cases can be reviewed with the Fair Work compliance assistant (/features/hr-software/ai-fair-work-compliance-bot/).

How can free HR tools improve communication between managers and staff?

They clarify expectations and reduce confusion, especially when paired with the team chat app (/features/communication/employee-team-chat-app/).

Do free HR templates help teams stay aligned on important updates?

Yes, they make information easier to share alongside structured posts in the news feed (/features/communication/news-feed/).

How do free HR tools help reduce communication gaps during onboarding?

They support clearer processes, which new hires can follow while communicating via the chat feature (/features/communication/employee-team-chat-app/).

Can free HR forms help multi site teams communicate more consistently?

They standardise information shared across all locations and work alongside multi site rostering (/features/rostering-software/multi-site-rostering/).

Do free HR resources help reduce message overload?

Yes, they consolidate key information so fewer reminders are needed, supported by updates through the news feed feature (/features/communication/news-feed/).

How do free HR tools support onboarding for new employees?

They make it easier to collect required details, which can be processed using employee onboarding tools (/features/hr-software/employee-onboarding/).

Can free HR trackers help manage staff certificates?

Yes, they centralise qualification details that align with licence management features (/features/hr-software/licence-and-certification-management/).

Do free HR policy templates improve workplace consistency?

They help teams follow clear guidelines that can be stored in the policy management system (/features/hr-software/policy-management/).

How do free HR forms support leave management?

They ensure leave details are captured accurately and processed through the leave management tool (/features/hr-software/leave-management-software/).

Can free HR checklists help HR teams maintain fair decision making?

They standardise processes, and complex situations can be reviewed with the Fair Work compliance bot (/features/hr-software/ai-fair-work-compliance-bot/).

Free HR toolkit download

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Onboarding checklist
Job description template
Performance review tools
Interview questions guide

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Best HR tools for 2025

Toolkit: what's inside

Running a business takes time. We’ve curated the top HR tools of 2025 to help you overcome challenges and boost employee engagement.

Employee onboarding checklist

Help new hires succeed with an effective onboarding process.

Common job interview questions

Use these questions to conduct effective job interviews.

Job application / description template

Collect the right details with a thorough job application template.

Performance review template

Improve performance and retention with regular reviews.

Reference check for phone and email template

Verify candidate details with phone and email reference checks.

Formal warning letter template

Address underperformance with formal warning letters.

Try RosterElf

Simplify staff management with RosterElf’s tools.

Why wait? RosterElf’s templates make managing onboarding, scheduling, and performance easier. Streamline your processes and focus on what matters most today!

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Better HR for all

Build a better HR process

Onboarding checklist

Start employees off right

Simplify onboarding with templates that ensure every new hire is set up for success from day one.

Why onboarding matters

An effective onboarding process is more than just a formality—it’s the cornerstone of employee retention, engagement, and productivity.

First impressions count, and a well-structured onboarding program ensures your new hires feel valued, prepared, and aligned with your company’s vision.

For businesses striving to attract and retain top talent, investing in a robust onboarding system is non-negotiable.

Build strong foundations for your team

Onboarding sets the tone for an employee's experience within your organisation.

It provides the foundation for their success, helping them integrate seamlessly into their role and the broader workplace culture. With our onboarding checklist, you can ensure every new team member receives a warm welcome and the tools they need to thrive.

Here’s how our onboarding templates can transform your hiring process:

Provide clear guidance from day one: Lay out expectations, responsibilities, and performance goals to eliminate ambiguity and set your employees up for success.
Simplify paperwork and documentation: Streamline administrative tasks, such as tax file declarations, superannuation forms, and employment contracts, to save time and reduce errors.
Introduce company policies and culture seamlessly: Use structured templates to communicate workplace rules, safety protocols, and your organisational values, fostering a sense of belonging and alignment.

Benefits of effective onboarding

A structured onboarding process delivers measurable business benefits.

Employees who feel supported from the outset are more likely to be productive and stay with the company long-term.

According to industry research, organisations with strong onboarding practices improve retention rates by up to 82% and boost employee productivity by over 70%.

Key benefits of using our onboarding templates include:

Improved retention: Reduce turnover rates by helping employees feel supported and confident in their roles.
Faster integration: Empower new hires to contribute to your business goals sooner by providing the right tools and information.
Enhanced compliance: Ensure your processes meet Australian employment laws, including Fair Work guidelines and workplace safety standards.
Time savings: Automate repetitive tasks, allowing HR teams to focus on strategic activities instead of paperwork.

Why choose our templates?

Our onboarding templates are designed to save you time, eliminate manual errors, and provide a consistent onboarding experience for every new hire. Whether you're managing a small business or scaling up, our tools help you retain top talent, reduce administrative burdens, and align your workforce with your business goals.

Ready to streamline your onboarding process?

Use our free templates to create a professional, efficient onboarding experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Job description templates

Define roles clearly

Create detailed job descriptions with templates that help attract top talent and set clear expectations for roles.

The importance of clear job descriptions

Clear job descriptions are the foundation of successful recruitment, performance management, and employee satisfaction.

They provide a detailed blueprint of a role, helping candidates and current employees understand their responsibilities and how they contribute to the organisation’s success.

For businesses aiming to attract top talent and foster a productive workforce, investing in precise and professional job descriptions is essential.

Why clear job descriptions matter

A well-crafted job description serves as a communication tool between employers and employees, aligning expectations from the outset. It reduces ambiguity, eliminates misunderstandings, and sets the stage for a mutually beneficial working relationship.

Without clear job descriptions, businesses risk miscommunication, low morale, and even legal issues related to unclear expectations or misaligned duties.

Here’s how our job description templates can elevate your recruitment and workforce management:

Highlight key skills and qualifications: Specify the abilities and expertise required for the role, ensuring applicants understand what’s expected.
Set clear expectations: Define job duties, performance metrics, and reporting structures to eliminate confusion and streamline operations.
Attract qualified candidates: Create professional, detailed descriptions that resonate with the right talent and reflect your company’s professionalism.
Streamline recruitment: Save time during hiring by standardising descriptions for similar roles and reducing unnecessary revisions.

Benefits of clear job descriptions

Improved recruitment outcomes
Job descriptions act as a filter, drawing in candidates who align with your business needs while deterring those who may not fit the role. This leads to a more efficient hiring process and ensures your time is spent on the most suitable applicants.
Enhanced employee performance
Employees who understand their responsibilities and goals are more likely to perform effectively. By providing a clear roadmap, you empower your team to focus on what matters most and achieve their objectives.
Legal and compliance advantages
Precise job descriptions help meet Australian workplace laws and Fair Work standards. They provide a point of reference in case of disputes, protecting both the employer and the employee.
Boosted employee engagement
When employees know how their roles contribute to the organisation’s success, they feel valued and motivated to deliver their best work.

Why choose our templates?

Our job description templates are designed to simplify the hiring process and create a seamless experience for both HR professionals and candidates.

Key features include:

Easy-to-use formats for quick customisation.
Templates tailored to a variety of industries and job levels.
Structured content that ensures clarity and compliance.

Whether you’re hiring for a high-turnover industry like retail or a specialised role in healthcare, our templates will help you craft descriptions that stand out and attract the best talent.

Performance review tools

Reviews that retain talent

Evaluate performance efficiently with templates that help improve employee satisfaction and retention.

Why performance reviews matter

Performance reviews are a vital component of employee management, serving as a structured way to evaluate, recognise, and enhance an individual’s contributions to your organisation.

When done effectively, they foster growth, boost engagement, and align employee efforts with business objectives.

In today’s competitive workforce, investing in regular, meaningful performance reviews is key to retaining top talent and driving overall productivity.

The value of performance reviews

Performance reviews provide a platform for open communication between employers and employees, ensuring clarity around expectations, accomplishments, and areas for improvement.

They transform routine evaluations into opportunities for growth and motivation.

When handled correctly, performance reviews can lead to stronger relationships, better team dynamics, and a more committed workforce.

Our performance review templates are designed to simplify this process and maximise the benefits, enabling you to:

Provide actionable feedback: Highlight accomplishments while addressing areas for improvement constructively.
Set measurable goals: Establish clear, realistic objectives for employees to work towards, ensuring alignment with company priorities.
Recognise achievements: Celebrate contributions to keep employees motivated and engaged.

Benefits of effective performance reviews

Increased employee engagement
Employees who feel heard and valued are more likely to remain engaged with their work. Performance reviews provide an opportunity to recognise their efforts and involve them in meaningful discussions about their career paths.
Improved retention rates
Demonstrating a commitment to employee growth through regular reviews can significantly reduce turnover. Employees who see a future with your organisation are more likely to stay and contribute long-term.
Enhanced productivity
Setting clear, measurable goals gives employees direction and focus, ensuring their efforts align with organisational objectives. Regular feedback helps them refine their approach and maintain peak performance.
Better team alignment
Reviews ensure all team members are on the same page, working collaboratively towards shared goals while addressing any misalignment or concerns promptly.

Why choose our templates?

Our performance review templates are designed to save time and eliminate guesswork, making the review process smooth and effective.

With a focus on clarity and structure, they provide:

Pre-built formats for evaluating key performance indicators.
Customisable sections to suit your industry or role-specific needs.
Easy-to-use templates that ensure consistency across all reviews.

By using our templates, you can transform performance reviews from a time-consuming task into a meaningful experience that drives engagement and growth.

Reference check templates

Hire confidently every time

Verify candidate information with templates for quick, effective reference checks via phone or email.

Streamlining reference checks

Reference checks are a critical step in the hiring process, providing valuable insights into a candidate’s qualifications, work ethic, and reliability.

By verifying information with previous employers or colleagues, you ensure that your hiring decisions are informed and aligned with your organisation’s needs.

For businesses aiming to minimise hiring risks, a streamlined and professional reference-checking process is essential.

The importance of reference checks

While resumes and interviews provide important details about a candidate, reference checks validate their claims and reveal insights that may not be immediately apparent.

They allow you to assess whether the candidate is the right fit for your team and organisation, saving you time, resources, and potential turnover costs.

Our reference check templates are designed to make this process straightforward, consistent, and efficient.

They allow you to:

Standardise your process: Use structured questions that ensure you gather all relevant information consistently.
Save time: Leverage pre-built email and phone scripts to streamline communication with referees.
Confirm key details: Validate qualifications, skills, and work history to avoid hiring mistakes.

Benefits of streamlining reference checks

Informed hiring decisions
Reference checks provide critical insights into a candidate’s past performance and behaviour. This ensures you hire individuals who align with your organisation’s goals and values.
Consistency and fairness
By using standardised templates, you ensure a uniform approach to reference checks for all candidates, reducing the risk of bias or overlooking important details.
Time and resource efficiency
Pre-built scripts save time by providing ready-to-use templates for both email and phone communication. This reduces delays in the hiring process and helps you fill positions faster.
Reduced hiring risks
Avoid costly hiring mistakes by verifying claims and ensuring the candidate meets the role’s requirements. Reference checks can reveal potential red flags, allowing you to make better-informed decisions.

Why choose our templates?

Our reference check templates are specifically designed to simplify your hiring process while maintaining professionalism and consistency.

Key features include:

Pre-formatted questions tailored to uncover critical information about the candidate’s skills, reliability, and cultural fit.
Flexible scripts for both email and phone checks, ensuring quick and efficient communication with referees.
Customisable sections to adapt to industry-specific needs or unique role requirements.

Whether you’re hiring for high-turnover roles in retail or specialised positions in healthcare, our templates give you the tools to conduct thorough and efficient reference checks.

Professional & compliant

Stay compliant and professional

Compliance templates

Stay compliant, stress-free

Access templates that ensure your HR practices meet legal and regulatory standards with ease.

The value of HR compliance

HR compliance is the backbone of any successful business, ensuring your organisation operates within the legal frameworks set by workplace laws and regulations.

It’s not just about ticking boxes—compliance protects your business from legal risks, promotes a fair and safe workplace, and builds trust with employees.

For Australian businesses navigating complex employment laws, staying compliant is both a legal obligation and a strategic advantage.

Why HR compliance matters

Failing to comply with workplace regulations can lead to costly penalties, reputational damage, and disruptions to business operations. Compliance ensures you’re meeting your legal responsibilities as an employer, fostering an environment of fairness and transparency that supports long-term success.

Our HR compliance templates are designed to make this process straightforward and manageable, helping you:

Align with workplace laws and regulations: Stay on top of the Fair Work Act, Modern Awards, and National Employment Standards (NES).
Document processes for transparency: Keep clear, accurate records that can be easily referenced in audits or disputes.
Avoid penalties and disputes: Minimise risks by adhering to fair practices in hiring, managing, and terminating employees.

Benefits of prioritising compliance

Legal protection
Staying compliant with employment laws protects your business from lawsuits, penalties, and claims of unfair treatment. Clear policies and documented procedures provide a strong defence in case of disputes.
Improved employee trust and morale
A compliant workplace is a fair workplace. Employees who feel valued and protected under transparent policies are more likely to remain engaged and committed to your business.
Audit readiness
Having well-organised records and documentation ensures you’re always prepared for audits or reviews by regulatory authorities. This saves time and reduces stress during compliance checks.
Operational efficiency
Compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s also about streamlining your processes. From hiring to payroll management, compliant practices ensure smoother, more efficient operations.

Formal warning letters

Handle issues professionally

Draft formal warning letters with confidence using templates designed to address employee underperformance effectively.

Professional ways to handle issues

Addressing workplace issues with professionalism is essential for fostering a harmonious and productive environment.

Whether it’s underperformance, misconduct, or team conflicts, how you handle these situations directly impacts employee morale, team dynamics, and organisational culture.

Taking a structured, respectful, and fair approach to resolving issues ensures that your business maintains harmony and avoids unnecessary disruptions.

Why professional issue resolution matters

Every workplace faces challenges, but mishandling them can lead to significant consequences, including low morale, employee turnover, and legal disputes.

Addressing issues professionally not only minimises risks but also reinforces trust and accountability within your organisation.

Our formal letter templates are designed to simplify and standardise the process, enabling you to:

Communicate clearly and respectfully: Avoid misunderstandings with concise and professional language.
Document warnings: Maintain thorough records for legal and internal reference, ensuring transparency.
Provide actionable steps for improvement: Give employees clear guidance on how to address the issue and meet expectations.
Resolve conflicts confidently: Ensure fairness in addressing issues, protecting both the employee and the business.

Benefits of structured issue resolution

Minimised legal risks
Documenting workplace issues and resolutions helps you comply with Australian employment laws, such as the Fair Work Act. Formal letters act as evidence of due process in case of disputes, reducing the risk of unfair dismissal claims.
Improved employee accountability
Clear communication sets expectations and ensures employees understand their responsibilities. When expectations are documented, employees are more likely to take ownership of their performance and behaviour.
Enhanced team morale
Addressing issues fairly and consistently fosters a culture of respect and fairness. Employees are more likely to feel valued and secure when they know problems are managed professionally.
Increased productivity
Resolving conflicts or performance issues promptly helps minimise disruptions to workflows. Employees can refocus on their roles, contributing positively to the organisation’s goals.

Why choose our templates?

Our formal letter templates are crafted to ensure that you handle sensitive situations with professionalism and confidence.

Here’s what you can expect:

Pre-built structures: Templates for warnings, misconduct notices, and performance improvement plans.
Customisable content: Tailor templates to suit specific situations while maintaining a professional tone.
Legal compliance: Designed to align with workplace laws and HR best practices in Australia.
Ease of use: Clear formatting ensures that you can quickly draft and issue letters without confusion.

Examples of workplace issues these templates address:

Performance concerns, such as missed deadlines or low-quality work.
Behavioural issues, including conflicts with colleagues or misconduct.
Absenteeism or tardiness without valid explanations.
Violations of workplace policies, such as safety protocols or dress codes.

What others say

Reviews from our customers

Read what our clients have to say about us

See all reviews

“We are extremely happy with Roster Elf, it's a great improvement on the previous system we were using. Sean and all the staff have been fantastic, really know their stuff and make using RosterElf a pleasure.”

Andrew Nathan

“Sean was an amazing help, very patient and thorough.”

Monica Van De Laak

“This app has completely transformed the way I manage my business. Sean’s guidance in tailoring it to my needs was exceptional - his knowledge, calmness and support made all the difference. If you’re struggling with rostering or scheduling, I can’t recommend Roster Elf highly enough. I went from almost closing my doors to feeling inspired about growth and expansion. Deeply grateful.”

Zalia Joi

“I had a great experience using this software for about 2 years, it really revolutionized our business and eliminated a lot of unnecessary work! The most impressive thing about Rosterelf was how quickly the team made improvements to their software”

Ethan Sanders

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Free HR toolkit questions? We have the answers.

They centralise employee details so managers can create more accurate shift patterns using the auto scheduling feature.
Yes, they keep availability up to date, which flows into the roster through the availability management tool.
They help standardise information so recurring patterns fit cleanly into roster templates.
They keep staff records consistent across sites, which simplifies planning in multi site rostering.
Accurate employee data reduces guessing during scheduling and supports decisions made with labour budgeting tools.

They clarify expectations and reduce confusion, especially when paired with the team chat app.
Yes, they make information easier to share alongside structured posts in the news feed.
They support clearer processes, which new hires can follow while communicating via the chat feature.
They standardise information shared across all locations and work alongside multi site rostering.
Yes, they consolidate key information so fewer reminders are needed, supported by updates through the news feed feature.

Start your free 15 day RosterElf trial today

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4.8 stars by 1570 users

100+ countries

30,000+ users