First published on Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Last updated on Monday, June 9, 2025
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When it comes to managing employee time, timesheets are an asset and are ideal tools for both HR and payroll processes, helping to track hours and keep records accurate. Many Australian employers use timesheets for this reason, but are they actually required by law or just something employers choose to enforce?
In this article we explore the legal obligations of employers, whether timesheets are required by employment law and how to enforce them at work.
No legal obligation to use timesheets
While timesheets can be an incredibly useful tool for your business, there’s no mention of them being a requirement under Australian employment law. It’s entirely up to you to decide whether to use timesheets in your business—there are many benefits for businesses that do.
Keeping accurate employee working time records
Having said this, under the Fair Work Act 2009, you are required to keep an accurate record of how many hours your employees work, ensuring that they do not exceed the maximum 38 hours per week unless their role is listed as an exemption. Using timesheets is one effective way you can keep accurate and up-to-date records.
Who is responsible for timesheet management?
If you have chosen to implement the use of timesheets in your business, it is ultimately your responsibility to manage and oversee this process.
Introducing a policy for timesheets and clocking in, for example, or training your staff to use your chosen timesheet software will ensure a smooth implementation of timesheets across your business. Guaranteeing you can reap the benefits of this process for efficient time management.
Tackling timesheet dilemmas:
Without proper implementation, the process can go awry, and you may find some employees are hesitant to closely record their working hours.
To deal with issues such as these in your workplace, here’s a few handy tips:
Keep the process simple
Automate reminders
Train staff/educate during onboarding
Encourage managers to lead by example
Promote daily timesheet updates
Implement a timesheet software or mobile clocking in device for ease of use
Use a timesheet template for manual data entry
Review timesheets weekly or monthly for regular check-ins with staff
Creating a timesheet policy for employees
By using a company policy, you can enforce employees to fill out timesheets at work. This will need to be written in accordance with employment laws and accurately outlined across employment contracts.
During the onboarding of new staff you should explain your timesheet policy, detailing why it is required and the process your staff must undertake to fill out and complete timesheets accurately.
Access expertly written policy templates with BrightBase
With our award-winning HR software you can access expertly written HR policy documents and templates via our HR document library—BrightBase! The document library holds hundreds of documents, guides, and policies to help streamline and improve your approach to HR admin. Gone are the days of poorly crafted onboarding docs or non-branded letters, with BrightBase you can customise and enhance your documentation to ensure it looks the part whilst being 100% compliant with Australian employment laws.
Timesheets used by agency workers
Agency workers will typically use timesheets to record the number of hours they have worked in a week. This is to provide information to the agency they are hired by to ensure that they are paid accurately. If you hire agency workers on temporary contracts, it is not your responsibility to manage this but under the ownership of the worker and their hiring agency.
Implement timesheet processes in your business
For advice on employment law, the creation of effective policies for time management, and access to our very own clocking in and out app, discover BrightHR today. With BrightAdvice, BrightBase and Blip, BrightHR is your one-stop destination for all things time and people management.
Book your free demo today to find out more.
