Make sure you’re across the rules for when work time must be paid.

On this page:

Work time needs to be paid

In most cases, if an employer asks an employee to be present at work, the employee must be paid for that time. This can include:

  • time spent in meetings
  • completing training (either online or at home)
  • time spent opening or closing a store.

Employers and employees should check their awardAn award is a legal document that outlines the wages and conditions of employment for employees that are covered by it within a particular industry or occupation. Other known term: modern award., enterprise agreementAn enterprise agreement sets out minimum employment conditions and can apply to one business or a group of businesses. or employment contractAn employment contract is an agreement between an employer and employee that sets out terms and conditions of employment. A contract can be in writing or verbal. Other known term: contract of employment. to know what rules apply.

To ensure employees are paid correctly, it’s important to make sure timesheets are accurate. They shouldn’t be changed unless it’s to correct an error.

An employee’s hours also shouldn’t be rounded down to pay the employee less than what they worked.

Employees: what you can do

Remember, in most cases, time worked is time paid.

If you’ve been asked to arrive early for a team meeting, or to stay late because the team is short-staffed, know it’s paid time.

Make sure you always get paid correctly by:

Checking what work time is paid

If you’re working because your employer requires you to, you’re probably on paid time.

Check your award, enterprise agreement or employment contract to know what rules apply to you.

Keeping your own records

Keeping your own records makes it easier to deal with workplace issues if they arise. You can do this in a diary, calendar or use our free Record My Hours app.

The Record My Hours app is a simple way to record and store your work information in one place, including your hours of work. To download the app, visit Record My Hours app.

Checking your pay entitlements

Knowing your pay entitlements will help you identify any issues early.

If you work at different times, or on different days (like weekends), you might be entitled to a higher pay rate.

It’s always a good idea to regularly check your pay slip to make sure you have been paid correctly.

Calculate your pay rates (including allowances, overtime rates and penalty rates) using our Pay and Conditions Tool.

Getting help with a workplace problem

Raising an issue as soon as possible is the best way to solve a workplace problem.

Once you have checked your records and worked out your entitlements, talk to your employer and work together to find a solution.

For advice on dealing with a workplace problem (including if you need to ask us for help), visit Fixing a workplace problem.

Employers: what you need to know

If you require the time, you’re usually required to pay for it.

Make sure you’re following the law by:

Checking which pay rates and entitlements apply

Ensure you’re meeting your obligations by paying your employees correctly.

Not meeting your pay requirements as an employer is a serious issue. Take the time to understand the rules to avoid any problems in the future by checking the relevant award, enterprise agreement or employment contract.

If you need help calculating minimum pay rates, allowances and penalty rates, use our Pay and Conditions Tool.

Keeping accurate records

Good record-keeping helps you protect and manage your business.

As an employer, you have certain obligations to keep accurate and complete employee time and wage records. For a full list of record-keeping rules, visit our Record-keeping page.

We also have a free and short online course to help you understand these same requirements: Record-keeping and pay slips online course.

Getting our free advice

If you need tailored support, we give free advice to employers and employer representatives: Contact us.

Small businesses can access information on a range of topics from our Small Business Showcase.

Our Employer Advisory Service also gives free tailored written advice to small business employers about pay and conditions. Get in touch today at Employer Advisory Service.