Unplugging the Workday: Understanding Australia's Right to Disconnect Legislation

Aligned and Thriving Podcast | Strategies for Work Life Balance

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In this episode, we delve into the Right to Disconnect Laws recently passed in Parliament, exploring what this means for Australian workers striving for work-life balance. Judith shares personal experiences, shedding light on the impact of always-on work culture and the necessity of setting boundaries. She offers insights into the legislative changes and their implications for employees and employers. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the new legislation and its potential effects on work dynamics.

Podcast Episode Summary

• The Right to Disconnect legislation allows employees to refuse contact outside working hours unless deemed unreasonable.
• Examples of unreasonable contact include emergencies, legal requirements, and excessive disruption to personal time.
• Small businesses have exemptions for 12 months, and certain matters like national security are exceptions.
• The legislation aims to protect employees from repercussions for ignoring after-hours communication.
• It addresses the negative impact of availability creep on mental health, productivity, and work-life balance.

Article References:

Herbert Smith Freehills Right to Disconnect

Right to disconnect? We’re already doing it, say bosses

Australian Union - The Right to Disconnect: allowing workers to properly unplug

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Chapters

1. Unplugging the Workday: Understanding Australia's Right to Disconnect Legislation (00:00:00)

2. Overview of the new legislation passed in Australian Parliament in February 2024 (00:01:01)

3. Details on what the right to disconnect legislation entails for employees and employers (00:03:23)

4. Discussion of what could be considered "unreasonable" reasons for an employee to refuse contact outside of work hours (00:06:49)

5. Exemptions for small businesses and national security matters (00:09:31)

6. Background on why the Greens pushed for this legislation, including availability creep and impacts on mental health (00:12:19)

7. Research showing the widespread impacts of availability creep in Australia (00:17:05)

8. Perspective from unions on the need for right to disconnect protections (00:18:20)

9. Summary of where the legislation leaves workers and employers now (00:18:53)

10. Discussion of whether the laws will change behaviors in practice and call for listeners to share experiences (00:21:20)