𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁?
The right to disconnect allows employees to refuse contact from their employer or any third parties after their workday has ended, unless it’s deemed unreasonable. This means employees are not obligated to monitor, read, or respond to work-related emails, messages, or calls outside their set hours. The legislation is part of the broader “Closing Loopholes” reform and aims to protect employees from the pressures of being “always on.”
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁?
The right to disconnect comes into effect in 26th August 2024 for non-small businesses and 26th August 2025 for small businesses. This gives employers time to review and adjust their policies to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
Employers will need to be proactive in managing this change.
𝟭. 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: Employers should revise their communication policies to align with the new legislation. This includes setting clear boundaries on when and how employees can be contacted after hours.
𝟮. 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: Employers should educate both management and staff about the right to disconnect, ensuring everyone understands their obligations and rights under the new law.
𝟯. 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: To prevent the need for after-hours communication, employers should assess workloads and processes to ensure employees can complete their tasks within standard working hours.
𝟰. 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: There will be situations where after-hours contact is necessary (e.g., emergencies). Employers should establish guidelines for such exceptions, ensuring they are clearly communicated and justified.
By respecting employees’ right to disconnect, employers can create a healthier work-life balance, reduce burnout, and improve overall job satisfaction. This change not only benefits employees but can also lead to a more motivated and productive workforce, as well as a positive company culture.
If you need help understanding these changes and how they may affect your operations or people, please reach out to one of our IR experts at WCA Solutions on (08) 9373 3293
