Religious Leave Policy

This policy helps your organisation support staff and volunteers who wish to take time off or adjust their working arrangements for religious observance.

The Religious Leave Policy ensures that requests for time off for faith-based reasons are handled fairly, consistently and in compliance with Australian workplace and anti-discrimination laws. It’s designed to help your organisation create a genuinely inclusive culture, where diversity of belief is recognised and respected.

This policy outlines:

• The purpose and scope of religious leave provisions

• Definitions of key terms (such as religious observance and reasonable adjustment)

• Principles for fair and respectful decision-making

• The process for requesting leave or alternative arrangements

• Record-keeping and confidentiality obligations

Faith and belief can play a central role in people’s lives. Supporting religious observance in the workplace helps your organisation:

• Promote equity and respect across your team

• Strengthen diversity and inclusion

• Stay compliant with workplace laws

• Build trust and engagement among staff and volunteers

Download and edit to suit the needs of your organisation.

Use this policy as a model to:

• Develop or update your own organisation’s religious leave policy

• Communicate clearly with staff about how requests will be handled

• Help managers understand their legal obligations and responsibilities

• Embed inclusion and fairness in your workplace practices