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HR Glossary

Casual employment

What is casual employment?

Casual employment refers to a work arrangement where employers hire employees for a specific period of time or to complete a particular task. There is no long-term commitment on either end for this type of employment. Casual employees usually receive an hourly wage, and they generally don't receive full-time employee benefits like paid time off, sick leave, retirement plans, or health insurance. This type of employment offers flexibility in finances for both employees and employers. 

How to draft a casual employment contract?

When drafting a casual employment contract, it's essential to outline the terms and conditions precisely. Here are some of the key elements to include: 

  • Role and job description

    Clearly state the position title and describe the duties and responsibilities associated with the role. 

  • Work schedule

    Specify the work schedule even if it's irregular or as-needed.

  • Benefits

    Indicate what type of benefits (if any) are provided for the role.

  • Payment

    Mention the rate of pay (e.g., hourly or daily), and the payment schedule (e.g., weekly, biweekly).

  • Employment duration

    Clarify that the employees are not obligated to accept every shift, and there is no guaranteed ongoing employment.

What are some key characteristics of casual employment? 

Here are some key characteristics of casual employment: 

  • Irregular work schedule

    Casual employment has no fixed schedule. The number of hours may vary from week to week.

  • No ongoing commitment

    In this type of employment, either party can end the employment without prior notice.

  • Suited for short-term

    Employers often hire casual employees for short-term employment or increased workload during holidays seasons and to cover unexpected staffing shortages.

What are the different types of casual employment?

Here are the different types of casual employment: 

  • Daily/hourly employment

    Employees are hired to complete specific hourly or daily requirements.

  • Seasonal employment

    Employers hire for a specific time of the year, particularly during the holiday season or when there's an increased workload.

  • Zero-hour contract employment

    There's no guarantee of minimum working hours; the employer only offers work when it's available.

  • Regular employment

    The employee may have a predictable routine, but there's no full guarantee of permanent employment.

  • Irregular employment

    There are no predictable working hours. The workload is offered based on the employer's needs and the employee's availability.

What are the benefits of casual employment?

  • Flexibility

    Employees can pick their shifts based on their availability.

  • Skill development 

    Working in different sectors and roles helps employees attain new skills and gain new experiences.

  • Higher pay

    Casual employees often receive higher pay to compensate for the lack of employment benefits.

  • Work-life balance

    Employees can always decline shifts, which gives them more control over their professional and personal life.

Casual employment is typically ideal for students, retirees, and people who already have a primary commitment.

Do casual employees need to notify before resigning?

In most casual employment arrangements, neither the employer nor the employee is required to notify the other party before ending the employment contract. 

How is casual employment different from temporary or contract employment?

Casual employees work on a flexible, as-needed basis without any set hours or long-term obligations. On the other hand, temporary and contract employees have fixed work terms and schedules. Temporary roles are time-bound, while contract roles have specific terms and conditions.