Casual vs permanent employment trends
Australia 2026
Understanding the shifting balance between casual and permanent employment in Australia, and what it means for SME workforce planning.
No signup required • PDF format
23%
Australian workers are casual
6
key employment insights
16
pages of analysis
SMEs
practical focus
Six employment insights
Our review of Australian workforce data highlights these key trends.
Casual rates have stabilised
After years of growth, casual employment has plateaued
Conversion rights are changing behaviour
More employers considering permanent options earlier
Industry patterns vary significantly
Some sectors remain heavily casual, others are shifting
Employee preferences are shifting
Many workers now prioritise job security
True costs are complex
Casual is not always cheaper when all factors count
Planning ahead pays off
SMEs with clear workforce strategies perform better
What you'll learn
This 16-page guide covers casual vs permanent employment trends and their implications for Australian SMEs.
- Current balance of casual vs permanent employment in Australia
- Why the workforce mix is shifting
- Industry variations and benchmarks
- What employees want from employment types
- Regulatory changes affecting employment decisions
- True costs of casual vs permanent employment
- Practical strategies for optimising your workforce mix
- What to expect over the next 12 months
Understanding the trade-offs
Both casual and permanent employment have advantages and considerations.
Casual employment
Flexibility for both parties, higher hourly rates, but no leave entitlements or job security.
Permanent employment
Predictable hours, paid leave entitlements, job security, but less flexibility.
Cost considerations
True costs include turnover, training, and productivity — not just hourly rates.
Compliance factors
Casual conversion rights and regulatory requirements affect workforce decisions.
Trusted australian sources
This guide draws on official data and research from leading Australian institutions.
Is this guide right for you?
SME owners
Business owners making workforce composition decisions for their organisation.
Managers
Team leaders responsible for hiring and workforce planning decisions.
HR professionals
HR staff who develop workforce strategies and support compliance.
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Research-backed insights to help you improve your workforce composition.
Download free e-guideMore free resources
Managing casual employees
Free e-guide on casual employment compliance for Australian SMEs.
Download e-guideEmployee onboarding
Free e-guide on employee onboarding compliance for Australian SMEs.
Download e-guideFree HR templates
Downloadable policies, forms, and templates for Australian workplaces.
Browse templatesRosterElf's HR software manages both casual and permanent employees with flexible rostering, accurate pay calculations, and compliance tracking for different employment types. Our workforce management platform includes casual conversion tracking, leave management, and employment type reporting to support your workforce planning decisions.
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5.0 average rating Frequently asked questions
- This 16-page guide covers casual vs permanent employment trends in Australia, including current workforce composition, industry variations, regulatory changes, cost considerations, and practical workforce planning strategies.
- The guide is designed for Australian SME owners, managers, and HR staff who need to understand employment type trends and make informed decisions about their workforce composition.
- Yes, the guide is completely free. No signup or email address is required. Simply click the download button to get instant access to the PDF.