When it comes to managing payroll in the hospitality industry, choosing the right software can make all the difference. This article compares three leading payroll systems—Workstem, Deputy, Tanda, and RosterElf—focusing on their capabilities for award compliance and ease of use.
Why is Award Compliance Important in Hospitality Payroll?
The hospitality industry is governed by the Hospitality Industry General Award (HIGA), which outlines the pay rates, penalties, and other conditions for employees. Understanding and complying with these awards is critical for any hotel, cafe, or restaurant. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines and reputational damage.
What Makes the Best Payroll System for Cafes?
- Award Compliance: The software should automatically calculate wages based on current award rates.
- User-Friendly Interface: Both management and staff should find the software easy to navigate.
- Integration Features: The software should integrate with accounting tools for seamless payroll processing.
- Reporting Capabilities: Ability to generate reports for audits and financial reviews.
- Customer Support: Reliable support to assist with any issues or inquiries.
How We Compare Deputy, Tanda, and RosterElf？
Deputy
Key Features:
- Award-compliant rostering that adjusts schedules based on employee availability and compliance.
- Real-time alerts for any compliance breaches.
- Integrations with accounting systems like Xero and MYOB.
Best For: Businesses that need flexible rostering and powerful reporting tools.
Tanda
Key Features:
- Automatic updates for award rates, ensuring compliance with the latest legislations.
- Easy-to-use mobile app for staff to check shifts and request leave.
- Time clock functionality to capture accurate hours worked.
- Best For: Operators prioritizing staff engagement and compliance automation.
RosterElf
Key Features:
- Simple scheduling tools that cater to the unique needs of cafes and restaurants.
- Built-in compliance checks for award rates.
- Detailed reporting features to monitor labor costs and productivity.
- Best For: Smaller businesses looking for an intuitive solution without bells and whistles.
How Workstem Helps Hospitality Industry Businesses
Simplify award interpretation and payroll processing with Workstem, the all-in-one workforce management & payroll software designed for every industry. Our system supports 122+ modern awards & 34 EAs, including the Hospitality Industry Award 2025, and keeps you up-to-date with changes in wage rates, penalty rates, and overtime rules.
Managing payroll under the Hospitality Industry Award 2025 can be complex. Workstem’s workforce management software ensures:
- Accurate award interpretation
- Automated penalty rates & overtime calculations
- Compliant payslips & record-keeping
- Seamless integrations with Xero, NetSuite, and more
Choose from our Standard or Advanced plan to suit your business needs, and stay Fair Work compliant with confidence.
Book a free demo with our payroll experts and experience how Workstem can streamline your payroll and workforce operations.
FAQs About the Hospitality Industry Award 2025
Q1: What is the Hospitality Industry Award 2025?
A1: The Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2025 (MA000009) sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, and employment conditions for workers in hotels, restaurants, cafés, pubs, and clubs across Australia. It’s updated annually by the Fair Work Commission.
Q2: What are the key changes in the 2025 Award?
A2: Minimum wage increase: ~3.5% (projected) for full-time, part-time, and casual employees;penalty rates: Unchanged for weekends/public holidays, but base rates rise;casual loading: Remains at 25%.
Q3: Does the Award apply to casual workers?
A3: Yes. Casual employees receive: base rate + 25% loading (e.g., $24.05 + $6.01 = $30.06/hour); additional penalty rates for weekends/nights.
Q4: Are breaks and overtime included?
A4: Breaks: 10-minute paid rest breaks per 4-hour shift; overtime: Paid after 38 hours/week (full-time) or 10 hours/day.
Q5: Can Workstem help with casual employee management?
A5: Absolutely. Workstem supports casual loading, dynamic rosters, and real-time tracking to ensure casual workers are paid correctly and fairly under the award.
Q6: Is Workstem compliant with Fair Work and STP2?
A6: Yes, Workstem is fully compliant with Fair Work obligations and Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 (STP2), ensuring seamless reporting to the ATO.
Read More:
Hospitality Industry (General) Award Guide [MA000009]
Updated Hospitality Award Rates: What You Need to Know
Restaurant Award vs Hospitality Award: What’s the Difference?
