What are the minimum shift lengths for cleaners?

The Cleaning Award has unique minimums based on site size: 1 hour for small stand-alone sites (≤300 sqm) where the cleaner works alone and longer shifts aren't practicable; 2 hours for sites up to 2,000 sqm; 3 hours for sites 2,001-5,000 sqm; and 4 hours for sites over 5,000 sqm. You must pay for the minimum even if less time is worked.

How do I determine the cleaning area size?

The cleaning area is the total floor space that requires cleaning at the site. This should be documented in your client contract or measured. If unsure, it's safest to apply the higher minimum. Keep records of site sizes for compliance purposes.

Can I combine multiple small sites into one shift?

Yes, and this is good practice. You can roster a cleaner across multiple sites to create a longer shift. Each individual site still has its own minimum (based on size), but if you roster 3 x 1-hour sites consecutively, it becomes a 3-hour shift. Don't forget to include travel time.

What if a cleaner finishes early?

You must still pay for the minimum shift hours applicable to that site size. If a cleaner at a 2,000 sqm site finishes in 1.5 hours, you pay for 2 hours. This is why accurate site time estimates are important for quoting and scheduling.

What is a broken shift for cleaners?

A broken shift is when a cleaner works two or more periods in a day with an unpaid break of more than one hour between them (not including normal meal/rest breaks). For example, working 6am-9am, then 5pm-8pm is a broken shift. The maximum spread is 13 hours.

When must I pay the broken shift allowance?

You must pay the broken shift allowance whenever a cleaner works a broken shift as defined above. The allowance is approximately $4.19 per day, with a weekly maximum of about $20.95 - check current award rates. This is in addition to normal wages.

What are the minimum hours for each part of a broken shift?

Each work period in a broken shift must meet the minimum engagement for that site size. If the morning part is at a 3,000 sqm site (3-hour minimum) and the evening part is at a 1,500 sqm site (2-hour minimum), each period must meet its respective minimum.

Is there a limit on broken shift spread?

Yes, the maximum spread of a broken shift is 13 hours from the start of the first period to the end of the last period. For example, if a cleaner starts at 5am, they cannot work past 6pm that day as part of a broken shift.

Is travel time between sites paid?

Yes, when a cleaner travels between sites during a shift, that travel time is work time and must be paid. If you roster someone for Site A (7am-9am) then Site B (9:30am-11:30am), the 30-minute travel is paid. Plan travel time realistically.

How do I track time across multiple sites?

Use digital time tracking that allows cleaners to clock in/out at each site (GPS-enabled clock-in is useful). This gives you accurate records for payroll, client billing, and compliance. RosterElf's time tracking supports multi-site operations.

How do I ensure 8-hour breaks with multi-site rosters?

Track when each cleaner finishes their last site and ensure they don't start the next day until 8 hours have passed. This requires good visibility across all sites a cleaner works at. Early morning cleaners who also do evening work need careful scheduling.

Can cleaners work for different clients on the same day?

Yes, as long as you're meeting all award requirements (minimums, breaks, broken shift rules if applicable). Track time carefully at each client site for billing purposes and ensure total hours don't create compliance issues.

HOW-TO GUIDE

How to roster cleaning staff

A complete guide to rostering cleaning staff in Australia, including Cleaning Services Award compliance, site-based minimum shifts, broken shift rules, and multi-site scheduling strategies.

12 min read • Updated 26 Jan 2026

Written by

Georgia Morgan

Free cleaning shift cost calculator

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General information only – not legal advice

This guide provides general information about rostering under the Cleaning Services Award. Award conditions can change and your specific circumstances may vary. It does not constitute legal, HR, or professional advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.

HR Hub disclaimer • Modern Awards • Fair Work

Rostering cleaning staff in Australia

Cleaning businesses face unique rostering challenges that set them apart from other industries. This guide applies standard rostering practices to multi-site cleaning operations: managing multiple client sites with varying size requirements, site-based minimum engagement rules, broken shift allowances for split AM/PM work, and the critical need to track time separately at each location for accurate client billing.

The Cleaning Services Award 2020 has specific requirements that differ significantly from other industries. Unlike fixed-location businesses, cleaning rosters must account for site size (which determines minimum shift length), travel time between locations (which is paid work time), and broken shift allowances when cleaners work split shifts at different times of day.

Industry reality: Most cleaning businesses manage teams across 10-50+ client sites. Effective multi-site rostering requires combining smaller sites to meet minimums, accurately tracking travel time, and managing casual staff availability across multiple locations.

This guide shows you exactly how to build cleaning rosters that comply with the Cleaning Services Award, efficiently manage multi-site operations, control labour costs per client site, and use specialized cleaning business software to streamline operations.

QUICK REFERENCE

Minimum shift by site size

The Cleaning Award has unique minimum shift requirements based on cleaning area size. Document each site's square meterage to apply correct minimums.

Site Size (Cleaning Area)	Minimum Shift	Notes
≤300 sqm (stand-alone, sole cleaner)	1 hour	Only if longer shift not practicable across multiple sites
≤2,000 sqm	2 hours	Must be consecutive hours
2,001 - 5,000 sqm	3 hours	Must be consecutive hours
≥5,000 sqm	4 hours	Must be consecutive hours

Important: You must pay for the minimum hours even if the cleaner completes the work in less time. Document all site sizes to determine correct minimums and avoid underpayment claims.

STEP-BY-STEP

6 steps to cleaning staff rostering

Follow these steps to create compliant and effective cleaning rosters under the Cleaning Services Award.

Understand minimum shift rules by site size

The Cleaning Award has unique minimum shift requirements based on cleaning area size.

Key requirements:

≤300 sqm (stand-alone, sole cleaner): 1 hour minimum
≤2,000 sqm: 2 consecutive hours minimum
2,001-5,000 sqm: 3 consecutive hours minimum
≥5,000 sqm: 4 consecutive hours minimum

Plan multi-site rosters effectively

Combine smaller sites to create efficient shifts that meet minimum requirements.

Key requirements:

Group nearby sites to create longer shifts
Allow adequate travel time between sites
Consider start times of client businesses
Track time spent at each site for billing

Apply broken shift allowance correctly

Pay the allowance when cleaners work split shifts with extended breaks.

Key requirements:

Broken shift: 2+ periods with break >1 hour
Maximum spread: 13 hours
Broken shift allowance must be paid (check current rate)
Each work period must meet site minimum

Ensure adequate rest between shifts

Maintain 8-hour minimum breaks between shifts.

Key requirements:

Minimum 8 consecutive hours off between shifts
Less than 8 hours = overtime until break achieved
Consider early morning cleaners finishing late
Track turnaround times especially for multi-site workers

Apply penalty rates for unsociable hours

Calculate correct rates for early morning, evening, and weekend cleaning.

Key requirements:

Saturday: 150% (all hours)
Sunday: 200% (all hours)
Public holidays: 250%
Night loading may apply (check award)

Post rosters and handle changes properly

Follow award requirements for roster display and change notification.

Key requirements:

Rosters must be posted in accessible location
7 days' notice for roster changes (or shorter by agreement)
Emergency changes require mutual agreement
Document all roster changes

MULTI-SITE OPERATIONS

Multi-site rostering strategies

Managing teams across multiple client locations efficiently while maintaining compliance.

Most cleaning businesses manage teams across multiple client sites—typically 10 to 50+ locations. Effective multi-site rostering requires strategic planning to combine smaller sites, meet minimum engagement requirements, and track time accurately for both payroll and client billing.

Combining sites

Group nearby sites to create efficient shifts that meet minimum requirements. Three 1-hour sites become a 3-hour shift (plus travel time). Consider geographic proximity, client start times, and parking availability when clustering sites.

Travel time planning

Build realistic travel time between sites—especially during peak traffic. Travel time between sites during a shift is paid work time and must be included in shift duration. Use 15-30 minute buffers depending on distance and traffic patterns.

Site-based time tracking

Track time separately at each client site for accurate billing. Use GPS-enabled clock-in systems that let cleaners check in/out at each location with photo verification to prevent time theft.

Per-site cost tracking

Monitor labour costs against each client contract. Use real-time labour budgeting to track actual vs quoted hours and protect margins on every site.

Learn comprehensive strategies in our detailed multi-site rostering guide, including cross-site staff allocation, centralized visibility, and performance monitoring across locations. Also see our multi-site rostering software that prevents double-booking and streamlines multi-location operations.

Managing travel time between sites

Under the Cleaning Services Award, travel time between client sites during a shift is paid work time. This is a critical compliance requirement that directly affects both your labour costs and client billing. When rostering cleaners across multiple locations, you must:

Include travel time in shift duration

If you roster Site A (7am-9am) then Site B (9:30am-11am), the 30-minute travel is paid work time. Total paid time: 4 hours (2 + 0.5 + 1.5).

Account for peak traffic periods

Morning rush (7-9am) and evening peaks (4-6pm) can double travel time. Use realistic estimates: 15 minutes off-peak may become 30+ minutes during peak hours. Build buffers into rosters to avoid late arrivals.

Apply appropriate pay rates

Travel time attracts the same rate as work at the sites. If cleaners are traveling during weekend hours, apply weekend penalty rates to travel time. Use our shift cost calculator to accurately cost multi-site shifts.

Factor into minimum shift calculations

Travel time counts toward meeting site minimums when combining locations. Three 1-hour sites + two 15-minute travel periods = 3.5 total paid hours. This makes combining small sites more viable.

Best practice: Use GPS-verified mobile clock-in that automatically tracks time at each site location. This provides accurate records for payroll, protects against disputes, and gives you data to refine travel time estimates.

BROKEN SHIFTS

Broken shift rules

Key rules for cleaners working split AM/PM shifts with extended breaks.

A broken shift occurs when cleaners work two or more separate periods in a day with an unpaid break of more than one hour between them (excluding normal meal breaks). Common in cleaning businesses: morning office cleaning (6-9am) then evening retail cleaning (5-8pm). The Cleaning Services Award requires a broken shift allowance in these situations.

Definition

2 or more work periods with break >1 hour (excluding normal breaks)

Maximum spread

13 hours from first start to final finish

Minimum per period

Each work period must meet site minimum engagement

Allowance

Broken shift allowance payable (approx $4.19/day, max $20.95/week - check current rates)

Compliance tip: Flag broken shifts in your payroll system to automatically apply the allowance. The allowance is payable in addition to normal wages and penalty rates. Check current Fair Work rates as these amounts adjust annually.

PENALTY RATES

Cleaning penalty rates

Key penalty rates under the Cleaning Services Award for weekend and public holiday work.

Period	Full-time/Part-time	Casual	Notes
Monday-Friday (ordinary)	100%	125%	Base rate
Saturday	150%	175%	All hours
Sunday	200%	200%	All hours
Public Holiday	250%	275%	+ day off for FT

Use our penalty rate calculator to accurately calculate weekend and public holiday costs when quoting client contracts. For comprehensive award rate information, see our penalty rates guide.

BEST PRACTICES

Cleaning rostering best practices

Proven strategies for effective and compliant cleaning staff rosters.

Map site sizes

Document cleaning area (sqm) for every site to determine correct minimum shifts.

Cluster sites

Group nearby sites together to create efficient multi-site shifts.

Allow travel time

Build realistic travel time between sites, especially in peak traffic.

Track separately

Record time at each site for client billing and compliance records.

Mobile access

Give cleaners mobile access to rosters and clock-in at remote sites.

Buffer time

Build buffer between sites for delays and ensure 8-hour break compliance.

AVOID THESE

Common cleaning rostering mistakes

Avoid these costly errors that lead to compliance issues and underpayment claims.

Wrong minimum shift for site size

Consequence: Must pay for minimum hours even if cleaner works less

Solution: Map all sites with their cleaning area and apply correct minimum

Missing broken shift allowance

Consequence: Underpayment when cleaners work split AM/PM shifts

Solution: Flag broken shifts in payroll and apply allowance automatically

Insufficient break between sites

Consequence: Less than 8 hours between shifts triggers <a href="/glossary/overtime" class="text-primary-700 hover:text-primary-800 underline">overtime</a>

Solution: Track cumulative hours across all sites for each cleaner

Not paying for travel time

Consequence: Travel between sites during a shift is work time

Solution: Include travel time in shift duration, especially for multi-site rosters

No roster posted

Consequence: Award requires roster to be displayed accessibly

Solution: Use digital rostering software that cleaners can access on their phones

FREE TOOLS

Free cleaning rostering calculators

Essential calculators to help you manage cleaning staff costs, compliance, and profitability across all client sites.

Shift cost calculator

Calculate the true cost of each cleaning shift including penalties and allowances.

Try calculator

Labour cost percentage

Track labour costs as a percentage of revenue for each client site.

Try calculator

Payroll cost calculator

Calculate total employee costs including super and leave entitlements.

Try calculator

Break compliance checker

Ensure your rosters comply with Cleaning Award break requirements.

Try calculator

Roster cost forecast

Project labour costs from planned rosters to stay within client budgets.

Try calculator

Penalty rate calculator

Calculate weekend and public holiday costs for accurate quoting.

Try calculator

View all 16 free rostering and payroll calculators including award misclassification, underpayment risk, and backpay exposure estimators.

How RosterElf simplifies cleaning staff rostering

RosterElf is purpose-built for Australian cleaning businesses managing multi-site operations. Our platform combines rostering, time tracking, HR management, and payroll integration in one platform—specifically designed for cleaning industry compliance and multi-location workflows.

Multi-site rostering

Manage all client sites from one platform. Drag-and-drop scheduling with automatic conflict detection prevents double-booking. Track labour costs per site in real-time to protect margins on every client contract. See our multi-site rostering features.

GPS clock-ins

Cleaners check in/out at each site with GPS verification and photo proof. Eliminates time theft and provides accurate records for client billing. Automatic tracking across multiple locations. Learn about GPS geofencing.

Award interpretation

Built-in Cleaning Services Award compliance. Automatically calculates penalty rates, broken shift allowances, and minimum engagement rules. Warnings when rostering violations occur. See award interpretation.

Real-time cost tracking

See labour costs live while building rosters. Track actual vs quoted hours per client site. Export timesheets by location for accurate billing. Integration with Xero and MYOB.

Mobile app access

Cleaners view rosters, update availability, accept shifts, and receive instant notifications on their phones. Perfect for dispersed teams working across multiple client locations. Download the mobile rostering app.

Site inductions tracking

Track which cleaners are inducted at which sites. Automated expiry reminders for certifications. Roster warnings when assigning staff without current site inductions. Store all compliance documents centrally.

Learn more about RosterElf for cleaning businesses or explore all rostering software features.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The Cleaning Award has unique minimums based on site size: 1 hour for small stand-alone sites (≤300 sqm) where the cleaner works alone and longer shifts aren't practicable; 2 hours for sites up to 2,000 sqm; 3 hours for sites 2,001-5,000 sqm; and 4 hours for sites over 5,000 sqm. You must pay for the minimum even if less time is worked.
The cleaning area is the total floor space that requires cleaning at the site. This should be documented in your client contract or measured. If unsure, it's safest to apply the higher minimum. Keep records of site sizes for compliance purposes.
Yes, and this is good practice. You can roster a cleaner across multiple sites to create a longer shift. Each individual site still has its own minimum (based on size), but if you roster 3 x 1-hour sites consecutively, it becomes a 3-hour shift. Don't forget to include travel time.
You must still pay for the minimum shift hours applicable to that site size. If a cleaner at a 2,000 sqm site finishes in 1.5 hours, you pay for 2 hours. This is why accurate site time estimates are important for quoting and scheduling.