Australia's 'Right to Disconnect' Law
Australia has introduced a 'right to disconnect' law, allowing employees to ignore work emails and calls outside work hours without being punished. The law aims to curb the intrusion of work into personal lives, which has increased due to digital technology and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Key Points
- Australia joins a group of countries with similar laws
- Employees cannot be punished for ignoring work communications outside work hours
- Exceptions are made for emergencies and jobs with irregular hours
- Fair Work Commission determines the reasonableness of refusal to respond
Pros
- Employees can have a better work-life balance
- Reduces the invasion of personal time by work-related communication
- Provides protection for employees against unreasonable work demands
Cons
- Ambiguity in the implementation may cause confusion for employers and workers
- Potential impact on job flexibility and economic productivity