The Working Hours Policy provides a clear framework for regulating employees' ordinary working hours, attendance, timekeeping, breaks, and workplace availability. It outlines standard working hours, meal and rest break entitlements, absence notification procedures, timekeeping expectations, and the consequences of non-compliance, while ensuring alignment with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA). The policy also addresses earnings threshold provisions relating to working hours and overtime, management's discretion to vary working arrangements based on operational requirements, and employee health and safety considerations when working outside approved hours.

What's Included

1. Purpose

• Importance of effective timekeeping
• Objectives of the policy
• Working hours framework
• Attendance expectations

2. Scope

• Employees covered
• Organisation-wide application

3. Working Hours & Breaks

• Standard working hours
• Ordinary hours of work
• Paid tea breaks
• Unpaid lunch breaks
• Operational flexibility
• Management discretion
• Changes to working arrangements
• Compliance with the BCEA

4. Absence

• Reporting absence from work
• Notification procedures
• Emergency and illness reporting
• Early departure requirements
• Management approval process

5. Consequences of Non-Adherence

• Attendance expectations
• Late arrival and early departure
• Persistent poor timekeeping
• Disciplinary action
• Employee responsibilities

6. Earnings Threshold

• BCEA earnings threshold provisions
• Ordinary working hours
• Overtime eligibility
• Time off in lieu
• Legislative compliance

7. Health & Safety

• Working outside approved hours
• Employer authorisation
• Employee responsibilities
• Health and safety considerations
• Employer indemnity provisions