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Work Hours & Rosters
Quick Facts
Vary the Roster
Rostering a young worker on every Friday and Saturday night is not always a good idea. Most teenagers will want to go out some of those nights so make sure to vary the rosters so that Friday and Saturday shifts are shared amongst staff. Be flexible and don’t expect them to work every weekend.
These things should be discussed during the recruitment phase and again on day one, as part of the Induction.
It’s also a good idea when rostering to try and have your best or most experienced young person rostered on the same shift as the least experienced, so that the new person can model and learn from the more experienced.
These things should be discussed during the recruitment phase and again on day one, as part of the Induction.
It’s also a good idea when rostering to try and have your best or most experienced young person rostered on the same shift as the least experienced, so that the new person can model and learn from the more experienced.
If you only have one junior and need them to work every weekend, think about discussing the idea of hiring a casual so that the weekend work can be spread out. This keeps your young staff happy and you have a 'back-up' for busy periods.
Vary the Duties
Most people lose interest and motivation if they are bored with the work they are doing. This is particularly true of young people, who, the early stages of the job may not yet have had a great deal of variety.
We know that mundane and routine tasks are a requirement of all jobs, particularly junior positions, but photocopying all day would become boring even for the most motivated of people. Try to distribute the tasks amongst everyone - it makes the job more interesting and helps with motivation and productivity; as well as decreasing absenteeism.
We know that mundane and routine tasks are a requirement of all jobs, particularly junior positions, but photocopying all day would become boring even for the most motivated of people. Try to distribute the tasks amongst everyone - it makes the job more interesting and helps with motivation and productivity; as well as decreasing absenteeism.
Ask Them
After you do the roster, take time to meet with the staff and discuss any problems they may have with the shifts. Listen to their comments and include them in the design of the roster. Allow them to swap or change shifts if possible. This may help to alleviate staff showing up late for work or calling in sick.
It’s always a good idea to work out holiday rosters well ahead of time and discuss availability with staff. And try not to change rosters without first giving as much notice as possible. Remember that young people may work more than one job so try to be flexible.
It’s always a good idea to work out holiday rosters well ahead of time and discuss availability with staff. And try not to change rosters without first giving as much notice as possible. Remember that young people may work more than one job so try to be flexible.
The Difference between Casual and Part Time.
It's a very common practice for young workers to be employed as 'casuals'. Infact, the majority of casual work is undertaken by young people. Many employers, however, confuse casual with part time employment and it's important that you understand the difference between the two as there can be possible legal repercussions if you don't.
In some states, a casual employee, who has been in stable employment for more than six months, and who files for unfair dismissal or under payment of entitlements, may be re-classified as permanent and you may be responsible for back payment of entitlements. So, if you find you are offering regular and ongoing stable employment to a young person, that is likely to extend beyond 6 months in duration, then you may be wise to offer them full or part time employment instead.
In some states, a casual employee, who has been in stable employment for more than six months, and who files for unfair dismissal or under payment of entitlements, may be re-classified as permanent and you may be responsible for back payment of entitlements. So, if you find you are offering regular and ongoing stable employment to a young person, that is likely to extend beyond 6 months in duration, then you may be wise to offer them full or part time employment instead.
Getting Them Started
