Last updated on August 29th, 2024 at 11:12 pm
Sydney, Australia – Australia has introduced a landmark “right to disconnect” law that went into effect on Monday; to protect employees against work-related communications during time off from work. What this new law means is protection for employees in knowing they cannot be punished for ignoring work emails, texts, or calls after leaving the office.
Taking Time Back
Advocates of the Australia Right to Disconnect Law claim it is an important step in reclaiming personal time and protecting the worker from the relentless intrusion of work into home lives, since lines between work and home have transformed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
They worked an average of 281 hours of unpaid overtime in 2023, a survey by the Australia Institute showed, an estimated A$130 billion ($88 billion) total monetary value. The new law brings Australia in line with about two dozen other countries, mainly in Europe and Latin America, that have implemented similar rules.
Global Precedents and Industry Reactions
France led the way with these laws back in 2017, where it penalized a firm that required staff to be available on the phone at all times. Rachel Abdelnour, an advertising professional also welcomed the new law, saying “It’s really important that we have laws like this. it’s really hard to switch off as it is.”
Exceptions and Enforcement
The Australia Right to Disconnect Law allows for exemptions in the case of an emergency or job that requires irregular hours. FWC will be responsible for deciding whether refusals to respond to out-of-hours contact are reasonable, taking into account the employee’s role and their personal circumstances. Penalties for non-compliance will extend to A$94,000 for employers.
The Australian Industry Group fears that the ambiguity of the law will create confusion and standing in the way of job flexibility which may hurt economic performance while Michele O’Neil, the president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions said that this law would help “protect workers from suffering because of management’s poor planning.”
Changing Workplace Culture
For instance, O’Neil mentioned the case of a worker who was called at midnight asking him to come back to work at 6 in the morning; indicative of better management practices that should be put in place.
