What is casual employment?
Casual employment refers to the system of hiring employees on a work-as-needed basis, meet the staffing needs of the company during peak business periods. In the system of casual employment, the employee’s services can be terminated without notice.
A casual employee is usually hired as a replacement for a permanent full-time employee who may be out on a long-term absence. They are paid only for the actual time worked and don’t receive the benefits of full-time employment such as paid time-offs or leaves of any kind.
What are the employment agreements for casual employment?
While developing the agreement for casual employment, employers should make its practice to attach a clause on the hours of work to include:
- How the workload will often change.
- How a casual employee will be advised of work.
- And that they are not obligated to make themselves available for work.
What are the benefits of casual employment?
1. Flexibility: Casual employees often have the freedom to choose their work hours, allowing them to balance work with personal commitments.
2. Variety of Work: Casual employment can offer opportunities to work in different roles and industries, gaining diverse experiences and skills.
3. Higher Hourly Rates: Casual employees may receive higher hourly pay rates compared to permanent employees to compensate for the lack of benefits like paid leave.
4. Work-Life Balance: The ability to decline shifts and work intermittently can help casual employees maintain a better work-life balance.
5. Opportunities for Additional Income: Casual employment can be a great way to supplement income, especially for students, retirees, or those with other primary commitments.
6. Trial for Permanent Positions: Casual roles can serve as a stepping stone to permanent employment, allowing both employers and employees to assess fit and performance.