Glossary

Otherwise Working Day (OWD)

A day where an employee would normally be expected to work. It is important for employers to determine when an employee is either rostered or expected to work, as it affects when they can take paid leave.

For example, employees are entitled to take paid leave (i.e. on a public holiday, sick leave, bereavement leave) only on days that are otherwise working days.

If an employee has an irregular work pattern, the employer must check the terms of the employment agreement along with the employee’s usual work pattern and the reasonable expectation for them to work on certain days or during peak periods.