Understanding casual work

Casual work is a popular option for many people, offering flexibility and good hourly rates. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), roughly one-fifth of the Australian workforce is engaged in casual work.

What is a casual job? Many businesses offer casual positions or ‘casual work’, meaning roles that are not permanent positions. These casual positions offer workers irregular hours that can differ from week to week. Casual work offers no guarantee of minimum hours nor an ongoing employment contract. 

Thanks to the flexibility that casual jobs offer, they’re often done by students, carers of school-aged children, and people looking to make income around other commitments.

In this article we explore everything you need to know about casual work, the meaning of casual work compared to other types of employment, and how to find a casual role in Australia.

What is casual work?

If you’re new to the job market, you might be wondering, ‘What does casual work mean?’ Casual work is temporary work with no set hours. One week you might work 40 hours and the next you might not have any hours at all. Casual workers are paid an hourly rate, and only paid for the hours they work. 

The defining features of casual work are:

• get paid by the hour
• no guaranteed hours or set schedules
• limited or no employee benefits, like annual leave

What is a casual worker?

The universally understood ‘casual employee’ definition is: a worker in a casual job, with no expectations of consistent or ongoing work. As a casual employee, your roster is dictated by your employer’s week-to-week needs. In most cases, you can request certain shifts, request not to be rostered, and swap shifts with colleagues. 

Types of casual work

When it comes to the casual employment definition, there are two main types: long-term casual employment and irregular casual work. Here’s how they compare.

Long-term or regular casual work

Long-term or regular casual work lasts for an extended period of time. It includes roles like restaurant servers, administrative assistants, retail assisants, and data entry clerks. These types of casual positions offer several benefits, like more predictable income and the possibility of skill development, since these roles are usually ongoing. However, long-term casual roles still come with a lack of job security and limited opportunities for career progression.

Irregular casual work

As the name suggests, irregular casual work is piecemeal. These types of roles are typically only available for short-term assignments. Event staff, warehouse helpers, office temp staff, seasonal shop assistants and food delivery workers often work one irregular casual position after another. While irregular casual jobs offer a high level of flexibility and good hourly rates, the work is consistent, with unpredictable hours.

The difference between casual, freelance and part-time

Although the casual employment meaning is often used interchangeably with freelance and part-time employment, they’re not the same thing.

Unlike casual workers, permanent part-time employees work a set number of hours each week (less than 38 hours). Part-time employees receive a consistent wage, directly tied to their regular hours of work. They’re also entitled to the same benefits as permanent full-time workers on a pro-rata basis, like paid leave, bonuses, and other employee benefits. 

Freelancers are self-employed and tend to work on a project or contract basis. They’re responsible for finding their own work and managing their own invoicing and taxes. Freelancers and contractors don’t receive any employer benefits, as they aren’t permanent employees.

Payments in casual work

Payment for casual work is different from salaries for permanent positions. Here’s an overview of how they differ.

Pay Structure

Hourly rates

Most casual work follows an hourly pay structure. Your wage is calculated by multiplying the hourly rate by the total hours you work.

Minimum wage

As a casual employee, it’s important to ensure you're receiving at least the minimum wage for your award. In Australia, the Fair Work Ombudsman website provides information on the minimum wage.

Overtime pay

Some casual work might involve overtime hours. In such cases, you should be entitled to additional pay per hour worked above the standard working hours. 

Payment methods

Cash payments

While less common these days, some casual jobs might still pay in cash. If this is the case for your casual role, it’s important to make sure you receive a proper payslip or record of your earnings.

Direct deposit

Most casual work payments are settled electronically through direct deposit, straight into your bank account. Many employers will provide you with a digital copy of your payslip, but it’s also worth checking that they’re contributing to your superannuation.

Benefits of casual employment

Casual work, by definition, is an informal employment type that provides a range of benefits for many. Here are some of the advantages that come with casual employment.

Flexibility

Casual work is one of the most flexible employment types. With no set schedule, you can make casual work fit around your other commitments. You can often pick up shifts when you have more availability, and drop them depending on your needs.

Work-life balance

By taking on a role that allows you to work fewer than full- or part-time hours, casual work can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance. Casual employees may have more control over their own weekly schedules, choosing which days and hours to work. This leaves time for hobbies, time with family, and other leisure pursuits.

Income potential

If you have a primary job, casual roles offer a way to increase your income. Whether you want extra cash for expenses or are saving for a goal, casual work provides an opportunity to earn additional money.

Gaining experience

Casual opportunities can be a stepping stone by providing valuable experience in a new industry or field. You can develop new skills and build your network in a new industry or type of role, as you work your way towards more permanent opportunities.

Low barrier to entry 

There are often less stringent hiring requirements for casual roles, compared to full-time positions. This can be a big advantage if you have limited experience or you’re looking to re-enter the workforce.

Variety and exploration

Casual work allows you to try out different roles and industries. This can be a great way to explore career paths and discover what interests you before committing to a full-time job. Casual work can bring exposure to a wide range of new skills, allowing you to identify your personal strengths. 

Disadvantages of casual employment

While casual employment comes with plenty of benefits, there are also drawbacks that are important to consider.

Job security

For many employees, job security is a major concern with casual work. With no guarantee of ongoing work or set hours, you can’t rely on a casual job for regular income.

Limited benefits

Casual workers typically don’t receive the same level of benefits offered to full-time employees, such as paid time off, health insurance and bonuses. You probably won’t have access to perks that permanent staff members enjoy.

Lower earning potential

Although casual employees receive casual loading (higher hourly rates) to compensate them for their limited benefits compared to permanent positions, overall casual work offers lower earning potential.

Less stability

The unpredictable nature of casual work can make it difficult to plan for life’s milestones or make long-term commitments. Without regular hours and therefore a regular income, you may feel unsettled or experience financial insecurity.

Career development

Casual work offers limited opportunities for career advancement and professional development compared to permanent positions. Casual employees usually don’t have the same access to training and career development resources as their permanent colleagues.

Limited entitlements

Casual workers often have fewer legal protections and entitlements compared to permanent employees. Before considering a casual role, it’s important to understand the specific award and related entitlements and protections.

Other important considerations for casual work 

There are a few other important considerations when it comes to deciding if a casual role is right for you. 

Taxes and deductions

As a casual worker in Australia, your income over a certain threshold is subject to tax – you can find a tax table here. If your employer doesn’t withhold tax from your income, you may have to pay it out of pocket at the end of the financial year. Tax deductions for casual workers depend on your industry and individual role, but could include uniform costs, travel to and from work sites, equipment, work-from-home costs, and union fees.

Payslips

Payslips are essential for record-keeping and tax purposes. Employers are required to provide employees with a payslip within one working day of paying them. If you don’t receive a payslip, you should request one, or a record of your earnings detailing hours worked, pay rate and any deductions made. 

How to find casual work in Australia

Are you looking for casual work? Here are some tips to help you find a casual role in Australia. 

Begin your search immediately

While there are usually plenty of casual opportunities advertised online, they’re often snapped up quickly, so it’s important to start your job search as soon as possible once you’ve decided to work. Use SEEK to find new jobs as they are posted. You can also find opportunities through networking or social media – and by keeping an eye out for casual openings in local shops, restaurants and other businesses in your neighbourhood. 

Create an impressive resumé

When it comes to applying for casual work, a well-written resumé will help you land a job. Include relevant skills, experience and accomplishments. Make sure to customise your resumé to each job that you’re applying for. Ensure you mention the skills and experience that are highlighted in the job ad. 

Convert your resumé to digital format

Making sure your resumé is in the right digital format is an important step before you send your application to a hiring manager. Be sure to check the job advertisement, as some applications will require you to submit supporting documentation in a certain file format, like doc, docx or pdf. If you’re applying at small local businesses, it’s worth printing out physical copies and handing them in. 

Register for job notification services

It can be a good idea to register for job alerts across a range of job boards, recruitment agencies and websites. For example, you can create a SEEK profile to receive the latest updates on job opportunities, and streamline the online application process.

Maintain flexibility in your job search

Approach your search for casual work with an open mind. You might not find exactly what you were hoping for straight away, but the beauty of casual work is that if one position doesn’t work out, you have no obligation to stay. 

Arrive promptly and ready for interviews

When you get an interview for a casual role, arrive early and make sure you’re appropriately dressed. Casual position doesn’t mean casual outfit – it’s always important to dress professionally, so you make a good first impression. 

Get recommendations from relatives and friends

While job boards and websites are often great places to start your job search, consider also reaching out to relatives, friends and former workmates to see if they have any potential leads. It could be worth asking old colleagues if they’re willing to act as a references during your current job search.

Stay determined in your job hunt

If you find you’re not as successful in your job search as you’d like to be, consider widening your search and potentially getting professional help with your resumé. Job seeking can be challenging, but it’s important to persevere and not take any setbacks personally. 

It’s important to understand the different types of employment before you set out on your job search. A casual position is often the best employment option for students who need to work around their studies, and people just starting out in the workforce, who want more job experience before try to land a permanent role. While casual work isn’t for everyone, it’s a great way to gain hands-on experience and get exposure to different roles and industries without making a big commitment. 

FAQs 

What does casual mean in a job?

What is casual employment? The definition of casual employment is: work that is temporary and irregular. Casual work offers no guaranteed amount of hours, and is best for those looking for a job to fit around study or other commitments. Casual jobs offer inconsistent hours and do not provide a reliable, regular income.

What is the work of a casual?

The tasks and responsibilities of a casual employee depend on their role and the industry. For example, a casual employee at a café might be tasked with taking customer orders, making coffee and preparing food. A casual bartender would interact with guests, make drinks, clean up and handle cash.

What is the difference between casual and freelance?

The main difference between casual and freelance work is that casual workers are employed by a business, whereas freelancers are self-employed and offer their services on a project or contract basis. 

What is a casual employee?

A casual employee is a worker filling a casual role, with no expectation of ongoing work or guaranteed hours. Casual employees work  as many hours as a business needs, so their schedules often change. Casual employees have the right to refuse shifts or shift swap with their workmates.