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.
Written by
Georgia Morgan
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.
Minimum shift by site size
The Cleaning Award has unique minimum shift requirements based on cleaning area size.
| 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 site sizes to determine correct minimums.
6 steps to cleaning staff rostering
Follow these steps to create compliant and effective cleaning rosters.
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
Streamline cleaning rosters
RosterElf helps cleaning businesses manage multi-site schedules and track staff across locations. Built for Australian small businesses.
Broken shift rules
Key rules for cleaners working split AM/PM shifts.
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)
Cleaning penalty rates
Key penalty rates under the Cleaning Services Award.
| 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 |
Cleaning rostering tips
Strategies for effective and compliant cleaning 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.
Common cleaning rostering mistakes
Avoid these costly errors in cleaning staff rostering.
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 overtime
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
Related guides
Learn more about rostering and compliance.
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.
Regulatory sources
This guide is aligned with official Australian workplace regulations.
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