The Shift Change Letter to Employee is a crucial document in Australian workplace relations, used when an employer needs to modify an employee's established work schedule or shift pattern. It forms part of the formal consultation process required under the Fair Work Act 2009 and must comply with notice periods specified in relevant Modern Awards or Enterprise Agreements. This document is typically used during business restructuring, operational changes, or when adjusting workforce scheduling to meet business needs. It should clearly outline the proposed changes, rationale, implementation timeline, and any effects on employment conditions. The letter serves multiple purposes: formal notification, compliance documentation, and a basis for consultation with the affected employee. It's particularly important in industries with variable working hours or 24/7 operations, where shift changes are more common.

1. Letter Header: Company letterhead, date, employee's name and address, reference number if applicable

2. Subject Line: Clear indication that this is regarding a shift change

3. Opening: Professional greeting and reference to prior discussions or consultation if applicable

4. Current Arrangement: Brief description of the employee's current shift pattern

5. Proposed Changes: Detailed explanation of the new shift pattern, including specific hours, days, and effective date

6. Business Rationale: Brief explanation of why the change is necessary

7. Implementation Timeline: Clear statement of when the changes will take effect

8. Employee Impact: Acknowledgment of how this affects the employee and any support measures in place

9. Next Steps: Clear outline of what the employee needs to do next, including response timeframe

10. Closing: Professional closing with contact details for questions and signature block