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Day: August 25, 2024
- Jo Vohland
It has received a lot of attention since the law was introduced to parliament, but what does new the "Right to Disconnect " mean for workplaces, and what does it mean for TA?
It has received a lot of attention since the law was introduced to parliament, but what does new the “Right to Disconnect ” mean for workplaces, and what does it mean for TA?
Simply put, it is the right of an employee to refuse to monitor, read, or respond to contact, or attempted contact, outside of the employee’s working hours. This includes third parties such as clients and customers. It is part of the “closing loopholes memorandum reforms” which were released with a focus on employment law. It comes into effect on 26 August 2024 (with a 12-month delay for some small business). The proposed law doesn’t mean that an employer cannot contact an employee; it’s that the employee is now empowered to refuse this contact by choosing not to read or respond to messages and calls, unless that refusal is unreasonable.
As this new law is subjective, how it will actually play out in the workforce might change week-to-week. Factors to consider could include:
The right to disconnect will require careful management from HR, Legal and Leaders. The boundaries not yet clear until scenarios are tested but we’re getting a sense of purpose: To rebuild the boundary between someone’s personal time and work time.
To prepare for the right to disconnect laws in Australia, employers can take several key steps to ensure compliance while maintaining a positive workplace culture. Here’s a guide to help them get ready:
By taking these steps, employers can not only comply with the Right to Disconnect laws but also foster a workplace environment that values and respects the personal time of their employees, leading to higher satisfaction and productivity whilst ensuring your business has the support it needs.
Want to read more about the changes? Find out more at the Fair Work Ombudsman
This is general information only and should not be treated as legal advice.
