A “right to connect” law has been put into effect in Australia, which can help those who feel forced to answer calls or read information from businesses after their day’s job.
People can overlook communications after work if they choose, without fear of being punished by their leaders, under the new rules.
According to a poll conducted last year, Australians worked an average of 281 hours of unpaid time per year.
More than 20 countries, mainly in Europe and Latin America, have similar rules.
Companies are not prohibited from contacting employees after hours by the rules.
Rather, it gives employees the right not to reply unless their rejection is deemed ridiculous.
Under the laws, employers and employees may try to resolve disputes among themselves. If that is unsuccessful in bringing about a solution, Australia’s Fair Work Commission ( FWC ) can intervene.
The FWC may then direct the company to stop reaching out to the staff after hours.
It has the authority to require an employee to answer if they find their refusal to do so absurd.
Failure to comply with FWC orders can result in fines of up to A$ 19, 000 ($ 12, 897, £9, 762 ) for an employee or up to A$ 94, 000 for a company.
Organizations that represent staff have praised the action.
The American Council of Trade Unions stated that it” does empower workers to refuse absurd out-of-hours work call and promote better work-life stability.”
A business analyst claimed that the new regulations may also benefit employers.
According to John Hopkins from Swinburne University of Technology, “any organization that has employees who have better sleep and who have better work-life balance is going to have personnel who are less likely to include sick days and less likely to leave the organization.”
” Anything that benefits the individual, has advantages for the company as well”.
However, there was a mingled reaction to the new rules from people.
” I think it’s actually really important that we have regulations like this”, advertising business employer, Rachel Abdelnour, told Reuters.
We spend a lot of time all day using our telephones and letters, and I find it difficult to leave them off.
Some, however, do not think the new rules will create much of a difference to them.
” I think it’s an excellent idea. I’m hoping it spreads. I doubt it’ll get on in our market, to tell the truth though”, David Brennan, a contractor in the financial market, told the news organization.
” We’re properly paid, we’re expected to deliver, and we feel we have to offer 24 hours a day”.