Standard work time

Standard work time in Australia is set at 38 hours per week for full-time employees, unless an applicable award or enterprise agreement specifies different hours. This baseline establishes the ordinary hours of work that employers must provide and employees are obligated to perform under the National Employment Standards.

The 38-hour week applies across most industries and represents the maximum ordinary hours before additional compensation or penalty rates typically apply. However, the actual hours worked may vary depending on the specific industry award, enterprise agreement, or individual employment contract in place. Some awards prescribe fewer hours, while others may allow flexibility around the 38-hour benchmark. Employees may also be required to work reasonable additional hours beyond this standard, though such hours must be genuinely reasonable in the circumstances.

The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and the National Employment Standards establish this requirement. The Fair Work Ombudsman and Fair Work Commission administer and enforce these standards across the Australian workforce.

From 26 August 2024, the Fair Work Commission's powers expanded to cover gig workers, contractors, and casual employees in addition to traditional employees. This statutory change broadens the scope of work-time protections and dispute resolution mechanisms available under the Fair Work framework.

Employers and payroll teams must ensure that employment contracts, awards, and enterprise agreements clearly specify ordinary hours of work. Accurate time and attendance records must be maintained to track hours worked, distinguish ordinary hours from additional hours, and calculate entitlements correctly. Compliance with applicable awards and agreements is essential, as these often contain specific provisions that override or modify the standard 38-hour benchmark.