Free Leave Policy Template
Download our free Leave Policy Template:
*For internal use only. Not for resale or redistribution. By downloading, you agree to our Free Resources Licensing Agreement
Purpose of Leave Policy
Purpose of Leave PolicyA Leave Policy outlines the framework and expectations regarding employees’ entitlements, usage, and management of various types of leave. These policies aim to foster a safe and healthy work environment by effectively managing risks, mitigating potential hazards, and prioritizing the well-being of employees.
How to Use
This Leave Policy template should be customised by a competent person, signed by a top-level manager (e.g. the director), and displayed in the workplace or provided by other means (e.g. website). It should also be communicated to new workers as part of their induction or onboarding process.
This document is a template only and it must be customised for your business. Other aspects that need to be considered include ensuring that:
- Relevant legal requirements have been met,
- Workplace specific risks are identified and managed, and
- Workers are consulted with during the customisation / review process.
When to Use
This document should be displayed in a prominent area or uploaded to your website/ centralized document system. You should also use it during employee inductions, and you may wish to refresh your workers on the contents of the policy periodically as part of a safety meeting or refresher training.
Who Should Use
This document should be endorsed with the signature of the appropriate top-level manager (such as a director). It can be used by your Safety Advisor, Project Manager, or other Manager/s to communicate the requirements to workers (including new workers).
Legal Considerations
Generally, under the WHS legislation, there is no specific legal requirement to have or display a Leave Policy. However, it is best practice. It can help meet general legal duties, including:
s(19)(3)a WHS Act – Duty to Provide a Safe Working Environment
Workers also have legal responsibilities, including:
- s(28) WHS Act – Duty of workers:
- Taking care of yourself
- Taking care of others
- Following procedure
- Following instruction
FAQ
What is a Leave Policy?
A leave policy is a set of guidelines and procedures established by an organization to regulate employees’ entitlement to various types of leave, such as vacation leave, sick leave, parental leave, and compassionate leave.
Why are Leave Policies important?
Leave policies are important because they provide clarity and consistency regarding employees’ rights and obligations regarding time off from work. These policies help ensure fair treatment, maintain productivity, and support employees’ work-life balance.
How is leave entitlement calculated and accrued?
The calculation and accrual of leave entitlements may vary depending on the organization’s policies and relevant employment laws. Common methods include accruing leave based on hours worked, length of service, or a combination of both.
Did you know?
Australia’s annual leave entitlements are among the most generous globally, with full-time employees typically entitled to at least four weeks of paid annual leave per year. Additionally, Australia is one of the few countries that legally mandates paid parental leave, providing eligible parents with up to 18 weeks of government-funded leave to care for a newborn or newly adopted child.
Article Sources and Further Reading
- The Complete Guide to WHS Policies and Procedures in Australia (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/guide-to-whs-policies-and-procedures/>
- What is a WHSMS (Work Health and Safety Management System)? (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/what-is-a-whsms/>
- Work Health and Safety Policy (Safe Work NSW) <https://www.nsw.gov.au/enterprise-investment-trade/policy/work-health-and-safety>