WISE Workplace’s Post

The Workplace Unplugged: Navigating the Right to Disconnect With the digital age blurring the lines between work and personal life comes the introduction of the new right to disconnect. The new right included in amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 allows an employee to refuse contact or attempted contact from their employer or a third party such as a customer, supplier, or client outside of work hours. Complying with this right is likely to shake up workplace dynamics, and navigating the correct path will be challenging but necessary. Most employers need to start taking steps in preparation as the right starts on 26 August 2024. Small businesses have until 26 August 2025. https://lnkd.in/gSY_uSv3

Excited to share insights from our workplace law muse, Assoc. Professor Giuseppe Carabetta, at the University of Technology Sydney UTS Business School! In a recent feature with The Straits Times, "Flexi-work rules in Australia worry bosses, but no major workplace clashes", Giuseppe argues that Australia's laws allowing workers to request "flexible work arrangements" where they fall into particular protected categories haven't - so far - triggered significant issues prompting businesses to overhaul their hiring policies. However, he highlights an interesting observation: many such workers may be hesitant to assert their rights, fearing they might be perceived as disruptors. Check out the full article for valuable perspectives on navigating workplace dynamics!  #WorkplaceInsights #WorkplaceFlexibiltyArrangements https://lnkd.in/gv8N2wKg

Exciting news for Australian employees! 🇦🇺 Starting August 26th, the "Right to Disconnect" law will grant you the legal right to switch off from work outside regular hours. 🕒 The Fair Work Commission has released key details, outlining a phased rollout for compliance. Employers, get ready to adjust practices to respect this new legislation! 🚨 Check out the full article on our website to learn more about the benefits, concerns, and implications of this game-changing law for work-life balance 👇 https://buff.ly/3xWLYsX -------------------------- Join our free daily newsletter for the latest updates on work-life balance laws and more: 📩📩📩📩📩 https://buff.ly/3QlzuB6 📩📩📩📩📩 -------------------------- #RightToDisconnect #FairWorkCommission #WorkLifeBalance #EmploymentLaws

We recently helped a small business client navigate the complexities of flexible work arrangements. When an employee requested flexibility, we ensured the company responded within the 21-day requirement, providing a written decision. This particular employee, a parent, was entitled to make the request under the Fair Work Act. Together, we carefully evaluated the request, balancing legal obligations with the company's operational needs. By accommodating flexible work arrangements where possible, small businesses can boost morale and productivity while staying compliant with the law. Certain employees have a legal entitlement to request flexible working arrangements under the Fair Work Act. In these circumstances you are required to follow the process as outlined by Fair Work. #smallbusiness #smebusiness #flexibleworkarrangements #concepthrservices

There have been some bold statements being made in the media after the controversial passing of the Closing Loopholes No.2 Bill particularly in regards to the Right to Disconnect. This pivotal move could mark a transformative chapter in Australia's work culture, potentially reshaping how employees interact with their jobs outside of traditional office hours. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦! This change is all about how and when we can contact employees after work hours. For businesses, it means rethinking the rules around emailing, calling, or messaging staff outside their working hours. What adjustments will be needed to comply with this law, and how will it affect everyday communication in your workplace? Our latest article dives into these crucial questions, offering insights on what businesses might need to do to adapt 👇 #righttodisconnect #closingtheloopholes

The 'right to disconnect' rules, which aim to give employees the freedom to switch off from work and not feel obligated to respond to work-related communications outside of their designated work hours, have been a topic of much discussion and debate in recent years. While some countries have already implemented legislation around this issue, the question remains: would such rules work in the UK? Proponents argue that it would lead to increased employee well-being and work-life balance, ultimately boosting productivity. However, opponents raise concerns about the impact on industries that rely on flexible working hours and the need for clear guidelines to avoid potential abuse of the rules. #worklifebalance #employeehealth #employmentlaws

Last week, I found myself talking about my personal approach to 'disconnecting' from work while in front of #senateestimates. It feels a bit strange to be venturing into such personal territory in a public forum designed to ensure government #accountability. With the passage of the second #ClosingtheLoopholes reforms, which included new laws about the Right to Disconnect (#R2D?), it seemed as good a reason as any to share my own approach. I've had a few Big, Intense Jobs, and what I've learnt is: • Big Intense jobs demand a lot from us - we are responsible for people and organisations and big messy work problems! • my brain doesn't easily let go of the big, messy work problems, even after I have stopped officially working - it really wants to solve them, sometimes at 3 am....; • technology helps us do our jobs better, but if I'm constantly 'in' my inbox or engaging with work problems on the weekend or late at night I can end up not discerning between things that require my immediate attention or action and things that can wait; • this doesn't lend itself to a good night's sleep, or enable me to give attention to other important things in my life! • so I've taken steps to help me disconnect for periods of time and recharge so I can be back again, at my best when I'm at work.... Those steps include.... • Letting my folks know that I'm not in the habit of looking at my email into the evening or as soon as I wake up UNLESS I've been alerted to something that genuinely needs my attention..... • Waiting until I've done my wakeup routine: https://lnkd.in/gqbFCjGZ (with thanks to Ronald Mizen) • Prioritising a good night's sleep over late night work - my brain is ALWAYS better in the morning and I'd rather get up an hour earlier and get it done twice as fast. It will be different for every person - but for me, thinking about what I needed to disconnect really changed my approach to work and helped me set boundaries that work for me. With thanks to the wonderful Sue McDonnell who had to persuade me the world wouldn't end if I didn't look at my email AS SOON as I woke up. And with thanks to my team who make sure I know about stuff I need to know about! #boundaries #worklifebalance #righttodisconnect #R2D

Faegre Drinker's Erika Collins and Brooke Razor write: The law takes effect on August 26, 2024, for employers with 15 or more employees and August 26, 2025, for employers with 14 or fewer employees. ... Australia joins a growing list of countries that have recognized a right to disconnect from the workplace. The trend started in France in 2017 and has become increasingly popular in Europe and globally... #australia #righttodisconnect #workhours #remotework

Later in 2024, Australia will introduce legislation (amendment to the Fair Work Act) around employees having the right to disconnect from their employment outside of normal working hours. This will grant employees the right to refuse to respond, monitor or engage with any work-related communications from their employers or third parties outside of working hours. Should an employee refuse, an employer may not instigate any negative consequences upon the employee. I’ll leave brighter legal minds to provide detailed commentary on the specifics of the legislation. However, I see this ‘Right To Disconnect’ (RTD) legislation as a solution to a problem we don’t need.

🥸 Is 100% WFH okay? No. FWC backs employer's rights to require workers back in the office. 🌐 Key Takeaways: 🏢 Employers' rights: Employers can require employees to come into the office for face-to-face contact and collaboration. ⚒️ Productivity Costs acknowledged: The FWC recognised the productivity costs associated with prolonged remote work. 🏡 Hybrid Working Policy upheld: The matter centred on an employee's flexible work request which clashed with the company's hybrid working policy, requiring staff to spend at least 40% of their working hours in the office. 🤝 Moving Forward: The ruling sets a precedent for employers to consider the necessity of in-office time for productivity, training, and team culture. As workplaces adapt, it's crucial to strike a balance that supports both employer and employee needs. 💬 Join the Conversation: How does your organisation balance remote work and in-office collaboration? #workplaceflexibility #WFH #FWC Link to article: https://lnkd.in/gznuPHHj.