A full-time employee is someone engaged in ongoing employment, typically working an average of 38 ordinary hours per week, unless otherwise specified in an applicable modern award, enterprise agreement, or employment contract. Full-time work is one of the most common forms of employment in Australia and comes with a robust set of entitlements and protections under the Fair Work Act 2009.
Fair Work – Full-Time and Part-Time Employees
Full-time employees generally:
Some enterprise agreements may define full-time hours differently. For example, in certain healthcare or mining sectors, full-time hours might be averaged over a period like four weeks.
Understanding the difference between employment types is essential for compliance and HR planning:
Full-time workers benefit from:
These benefits make full-time roles highly sought-after, particularly in industries such as healthcare, education, government, and professional services.
Employers who hire full-time staff are required to:
Employers must also provide all new hires with the Fair Work Information Statement, which outlines their rights at work.
While full-time work is available across most sectors, it is especially common in:
Many businesses are shifting towards flexible arrangements post-pandemic, but full-time employment still forms the backbone of Australia’s workforce.
Managing a full-time team is easier and more efficient with Microkeeper. Our all-in-one HR, payroll, and rostering software is built to handle full-time employee requirements seamlessly:
Yes. Employers may request reasonable additional hours, and compensation must follow applicable award conditions or enterprise agreements.
Yes, if the business qualifies and the employee has at least 12 months of continuous service.
Yes, with mutual agreement between the employer and the employee and a written change to the employment contract.
Yes. Many roles begin with a probation period (typically 3 to 6 months) where performance is evaluated.
Full-time employment offers a strong foundation for both employees and employers. With stable hours, consistent income, and the full spectrum of leave entitlements, it forms a key part of long-term workforce planning in Australia. Employers must remain compliant with Fair Work obligations to avoid penalties and support employee satisfaction.
Platforms like Microkeeper make this easy, ensuring HR processes, payroll, and leave management are not just accurate, but effortless.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or workplace advice. Please consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or a workplace relations specialist for tailored guidance.