When it comes to changing rosters, do you know what you can and can’t do as an employer?
As businesses grow and change, so do their operations. A process that may have been functional and appropriate at one time, may no longer be the best fit for the business. So, when this occurs, what can you do about making changes to staff rosters?
We recently received this question:
QUESTION | We need to change rosters for a number of people due to operational changes in our business. Can I do this? Or do I need to consider their point of view?
ANSWER
When proposing changes to an employee’s regular roster, you as the employer, are required to consider their view.
In fact, when an employer wants to change an employee’s regular roster or ordinary hours of work, they have to discuss it with the employee first, including:
- Provide information about the change.
- Invite the employee to give their view about the impact of the change, and consider this.
Awards and agreements can set out extra rules about changing rosters and how and when employees are given rosters.
Like with any change in the workplace, it pays to have your staff onside. Working with your staff to implement change and being respectful and flexible where practically possible, is always best.”
For industry-specific information relating to rosters, visit: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/…/hours-of-work-breaks-…/rosters
Do you need some HR help? Get in touch with Lisa.