Full-time employee

What Is a Full-Time Employee?

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

Key Characteristics of Full-Time Employment

Full-time employees generally:

• Work 38 hours per week (or more if defined differently by the applicable award or contract)
• Have a permanent employment arrangement (as opposed to casual or temporary)
• Receive the full range of National Employment Standards (NES) entitlements
• Are entitled to paid leave, including annual leave, sick leave, and long service leave
• Are often eligible for overtime or penalty rates for hours worked beyond ordinary hours
• Have termination notice and redundancy pay protections

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.

Full-Time vs. Other Employment Types

Understanding the difference between employment types is essential for compliance and HR planning:

Benefits for Full-Time Employees

Full-time workers benefit from:

• Job stability and predictable work hours
• Paid leave entitlements, including:
  • 4 weeks annual leave per year (5 weeks for some shift workers)
  • 10 days personal/carer’s leave per year
  • Public holiday pay (if the day falls on their usual work day)
  • Parental leave, long service leave, and compassionate leave
• Superannuation contributions from their employer (11.5% in FY24–25)
• Access to training and development opportunities
• Clear career progression pathways within a company

These benefits make full-time roles highly sought-after, particularly in industries such as healthcare, education, government, and professional services.

Employer Obligations for Full-Time Employees

Employers who hire full-time staff are required to:

• Comply with the minimum wage requirements as defined by Fair Work or the relevant award
• Pay superannuation on time (via a clearing house like Beam)
• Provide payslips and maintain accurate payroll records
• Offer leave entitlements and track leave balances
• Notify employees of termination in accordance with minimum notice periods
• Avoid wage theft, which from 1 January 2025 carries criminal penalties in Australia

Employers must also provide all new hires with the Fair Work Information Statement, which outlines their rights at work.

Common Full-Time Employee Industries

While full-time work is available across most sectors, it is especially common in:

• Retail and hospitality (management and supervisory roles)
• Construction and trades
• Education
• Healthcare
• Office administration
• Manufacturing and logistics

Many businesses are shifting towards flexible arrangements post-pandemic, but full-time employment still forms the backbone of Australia’s workforce.

How Microkeeper Supports Full-Time Workforce Management

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:

• Award-compliant payroll that automates tax and leave calculations
• Digital onboarding to streamline new hires and document collection
• Roster planning tools to manage shifts and track attendance
• Leave management system integrated with payroll and compliance reporting
• Single Touch Payroll (STP) submission to the ATO with one click

FAQs About Full-Time Employees

Can full-time employees work overtime?

‍Yes. Employers may request reasonable additional hours, and compensation must follow applicable award conditions or enterprise agreements.

Are full-time employees entitled to redundancy pay?

‍Yes, if the business qualifies and the employee has at least 12 months of continuous service.

Can a full-time employee move to part-time?

‍Yes, with mutual agreement between the employer and the employee and a written change to the employment contract.

Is probation allowed for full-time roles?

‍Yes. Many roles begin with a probation period (typically 3 to 6 months) where performance is evaluated.

Final Thoughts

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.}