RosterElf Logo
Start trial

Allow staff to submit timesheet in RosterElf

Sean Wyse By Sean Wyse Updated 30 March 2026 3 min read
Permission level: Admins Device: Web Browser

Allow staff to submit timesheets in RosterElf

This article explains how to allow staff to submit timesheets in RosterElf. Enabling timesheet submissions allows your staff to record their working hours directly in the platform. This is useful for businesses that track hours manually or require staff to submit time worked for approval.

Using this feature improves accuracy and ensures all worked hours are captured correctly. Staff can enter their own timesheets, which managers can then review and approve. This reduces errors, improves accountability, and streamlines payroll preparation. It also ensures your team follows a consistent process when recording hours.

RosterElf makes it simple to enable timesheet submissions from your account settings. You can access your time and attendance settings, enable the My Timesheets feature, and save your changes in just a few steps. For a full overview of what you can configure, see the overview of time and attendance settings.

1. Turn off automatically approved payroll

Before staff can submit timesheets, you must turn off automatically approved payroll. When this setting is enabled, RosterElf automatically approves payroll hours for every shift. This hides the Timesheet button from staff, preventing them from submitting their worked hours.

Disabling auto-approved payroll ensures shifts remain unapproved until a manager reviews them. This is what makes the Timesheet button visible to staff. For a full walkthrough, see how to adjust payroll approval settings in RosterElf.

1.1 Disable auto-approved payroll

1.1.1 Open RosterElf and go to Payroll in the main navigation.

1.1.2 Press the Settings cog icon in the payroll area.

1.1.3 Navigate to the Approvals section.

1.1.4 Toggle off Auto approve payroll hours.

RosterElf payroll settings showing the Auto approve payroll hours toggle switched off

1.1.5 Press Save. Shifts will no longer be automatically approved, and the Timesheet button will become visible to your staff.

2. Allow staff to submit timesheets in settings

This section explains how to allow staff to submit timesheets in RosterElf using your account settings. You will learn how to access the correct settings area and enable the My Timesheets feature. Enabling this setting allows your staff to submit their worked hours directly through the platform.

This is beneficial for businesses that require manual time entry or approval workflows. It ensures all hours are recorded in one place and can be reviewed before processing payroll. Following these steps will help you quickly enable timesheet submissions and improve your time tracking process.

2.1 Allow staff to submit timesheets via settings

2.1.1 Open RosterElf and log in to your account.

RosterElf dashboard home screen showing the main navigation bar

2.1.2 Press Settings in the main navigation.

RosterElf main navigation with the Settings option highlighted

2.1.3 Press Time and Attendance Settings.

RosterElf Settings page with Time and Attendance Settings highlighted

2.1.4 Press My Timesheets.

RosterElf Time and Attendance Settings page with the My Timesheets section highlighted

2.1.5 Toggle on My Timesheets to enable staff timesheet submissions.

RosterElf My Timesheets settings showing the toggle switched on

2.1.6 Press Save to apply your changes.

RosterElf settings page with the Save button highlighted to confirm enabling My Timesheets

Staff timesheet submissions are now enabled. Your staff will be able to submit their worked hours directly through RosterElf for manager review and approval before payroll is processed.

Frequently asked questions

1. How do I allow staff to submit timesheets in RosterElf?

To allow staff to submit timesheets in RosterElf, open your account and go to Settings. Navigate to Time and Attendance Settings, then select My Timesheets. Toggle the feature on and press Save. This enables staff to enter their own working hours directly in the platform.

2. What is the My Timesheets feature in RosterElf?

The My Timesheets feature allows staff to submit timesheets in RosterElf. It enables employees to record their worked hours for review and approval. This ensures accurate time tracking and supports a consistent process for payroll preparation.

3. Why should I allow staff to submit timesheets in RosterElf?

Allowing staff to submit timesheets improves accuracy and accountability. It ensures all worked hours are recorded correctly and reduces manual errors. It also streamlines payroll preparation by providing a clear approval workflow for managers.

4. Can managers review timesheets submitted by staff in RosterElf?

Yes, managers can review timesheets submitted by staff in RosterElf. Once staff submit their hours, managers can check and approve them before processing payroll. This helps maintain accuracy and ensures all hours are verified.

5. When should I use the timesheet submission feature in RosterElf?

You should use the timesheet submission feature when your business requires manual time entry or approval workflows. It is useful for tracking worked hours that are not captured through automated time tracking. This ensures all hours are recorded in one central system.

6. Why can't my staff see the Timesheet button in RosterElf?

The Timesheet button is only visible on shifts that have not been approved. There are two common reasons it may be hidden: (1) Auto-approved payroll is enabled — RosterElf automatically approves payroll hours for every shift, hiding the button. To fix this, go to Payroll > Settings cog > Approvals, toggle off Auto approve payroll hours, and press Save. (2) The shift has already been manually approved — if a manager has already approved the shift in payroll, the Timesheet button will no longer appear. The shift must be unapproved first before staff can submit a timesheet.

7. Do I need to turn off auto-approved payroll before staff can submit timesheets?

Yes. For the Timesheet button to be visible to staff, auto-approved payroll must be disabled. When auto-approve is on, shifts are automatically marked as approved and staff cannot submit a timesheet. Disable it under Payroll > Settings cog > Approvals by toggling off Auto approve payroll hours and pressing Save.

Still need help?

Our Australian-based support team is here to assist you.