Shift Types are different options for worked and non-worked shifts and each timesheet is allocated to a shift type. Each shift type could be defined with separate rules in the award interpretation to create the required amounts of each pay type (pay component/pay category/pay code) to be exported for payroll. The shift types can be customised to meet your requirements for award rules and leave options you require for payroll and reporting.
Below is a screenshot of the default shift types provided in the Humanforce System.