Do Australians have a Right to Disconnect?
Yes, they do. And starting August 26, 2024, it will be legally mandated with the Right to Disconnect Bill.
Remember when going to work meant actually leaving the house, working set hours, and then clocking off for the day? Those days seem like a distant memory now. With digital tech blurring the lines between work and personal life, it's become harder than ever to switch off, and the research shows it’s really starting to take a toll on both employee and employer.
We’re seeing productivity drop and burnout rise, with businesses facing eye-watering costs.
The average person checks their smartphone 150 times a day (about every six waking minutes).
On average, it takes 23 minutes for workers to fully refocus after being interrupted.
Employees who turn off all notifications experience a 50% increase in productivity.
Workplace distractions account for 720 lost hours per year per employee.
The estimated cost of workplace distractions for US businesses is $588 billion per year.
As organisations strive to boost performance and well-being, it's crucial to address the digital pull that hampers both. Embracing strategies to manage these interruptions can lead to more productive, engaged employees and a healthier work environment.
The new bill is here to help us figure out how to juggle work and personal time in our tech-obsessed world, setting clear boundaries for everyone involved.
It’s been pursued in various forms internationally over the last decade, with countries like France, Ireland, and Germany leading the way. Now, it’s Australia’s turn.
Question: What is the Right to Disconnect Bill?
Answer: The Right to Disconnect Bill is a new piece of legislation aimed at protecting employees' right to disconnect from work outside of their designated working hours. Under this bill, employees have the legal right to not be contacted by their employers once their workday is over. This bill is stepping up to tackle the stress and burnout that's been piling up thanks to our non-stop digital lives.
Question: When does this start in Australia?
Answer: The Right to Disconnect Bill kicks in on August 26, 2024, for bigger businesses with 15 or more employees. It’s a big step towards better work-life balance in Australia! Smaller businesses (those with fewer than 15 employees) get a bit of extra time to adjust—it'll start for them on August 26, 2025.
Question: Will an employer get fined for contacting an employee outside of regular hours?
Answer: No, they won't. It’s definitely a good idea for employers to avoid sending a barrage of emails at 11pm, but this new rule doesn’t mean they’ll get hit with a fine just for accidentally sending an email instead of scheduling it. There’s no penalty for sending emails outside normal work hours. What this rule actually does is give employees the right to ignore those out-of-hours messages without facing any repercussions.
An employer has just as much right to dispute as the employee. This legislation isn’t restricting anyone who chooses to work in the evening or on weekends to account for flexibility afforded elsewhere in their week to, say, pick up children or care for elderly parents. It simply means utilising the ‘schedule message’ function so their preferred working hours don’t interrupt someone’s preferred down time.
Question: As an employee, what do I do if I get contacted after hours?
Answer: If you get work-related messages outside your regular hours that need your attention, you’re totally okay to handle them when you’re back at work. If you face any penalties for this, do chat through internally. It’s a good idea to keep track of these incidents in case you need to take further action. If your issue isn’t resolved internally, you can also file a complaint with the Fair Work Commission.
Question: Is the Right to Disconnect Bill going to be enough to prevent employee burnout?
Answer: The Right to Disconnect Bill is a major move towards tackling employee burnout and boosting work-life balance. Recent surveys reveal that the majority are in favor of this change, with six in seven (84%) Australian workers backing the bill.
But while this bill is a great move forward, it’s not a fix-all for burnout. A huge 71% of Australian workers have done unpaid overtime at some point, showing that burnout is a bigger issue than just stopping after-hours calls and emails. The most common downsides of overtime are physical tiredness (35%), stress and anxiety (32%), and feeling mentally drained (31%).
The Solution?
To really tackle burnout, we need more than just legal changes; we also need to rethink our work habits and how we manage our relationship with our tech, as well as the personal boundaries we set. The Right to Disconnect is a solid start, but finding ways to build better habits and manage our workloads is also crucial.
That’s where tools like the LiVELY app come in. LiVELY isn’t just about shutting down tech; it’s about creating a healthy, disciplined relationship with tech, using tech. (Yes we see the irony.) With its library of digital habits, LiVELY helps boost focus and productivity while easing burnout. Plus, it’s a handy tool for employers who need to meet ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals by focusing on employee well-being.
As Australia gears up for the Right to Disconnect Bill, both employers and employees will need to adjust to these new rules. While this legislation is a significant step towards better work-life balance and mental health, adding tools like LiVELY into the mix can make the transition smoother and help create a more supportive, productive work environment.
