Natasha is a leading HR expert, entrepreneur, author and sought-after media commentator for outlets such as Sunrise (Channel 7), ABC Radio and The Australian Financial Review. Natasha co-founded Employee Matters in 2011 to help Australian businesses achieve success through their people.
In a recent interview with Tony Moclair on 3AW Afternoons, Natasha Hawker, Employment Expert and Managing Director of Employee Matters, sheds light on the new 'Right to Disconnect' legislation. Key points from the discussion include:
Definition and Scope: Employees at businesses with 15 or more staff now have the right to ignore work communications outside business hours unless deemed reasonable, such as emergencies.
What Constitutes Reasonable Contact: Natasha explained examples of reasonable versus unreasonable contact. An emergency call to handle a security issue is reasonable, while contacting a junior staff member for overdue tasks is not.
Impact on Industries: Technology and global teams might be affected as they often operate across time zones. However, the new law aims to provide flexibility, especially for those with childcare responsibilities.
Legislative Context: The legislation aims to address the blurred lines between work and personal life exacerbated by technology and the pandemic. Natasha also highlighted the importance of clear communication and documentation in adapting to these changes.
Casual Workers: The impact on casual workers, particularly regarding shift changes, will need careful consideration and adaptation to balance business needs and employee rights.
To delve deeper into these insights and understand how the right to disconnect could affect you, listen to the full radio interview with Natasha Hawker below.
Protect your business and ensure compliance with the newest Fair Work Act change. Speak with our team today to learn how Employee Matters can help you navigate these changes and safeguard your organisation.
About Natasha Hawker
Natasha Hawker is a highly experienced employee expert, speaker, author and entrepreneur. Her forte lies in understanding and communicating all aspects of HR, people management, and employment relations. With nearly three decades as a presenter, her reach extends internationally, sharing her knowledge with audiences in Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, USA, France, India, and the UK.
About Employee Matters
Founded by Natasha Hawker in 2011, Employee Matters offers businesses top-tier, in-house HR and recruitment expertise. Specialising in helping SMEs to become more profitable, grow, and build sustainable businesses, Employee Matters is Australia’s go-to resource for all employment issues and challenges. As a finalist in the 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards, Employee Matters continues to set the standard for excellence in HR services. https://www.employeematters.com.au/
More information on Right to Disconnect Laws available HERE
Media interviews, please contact:
eckfactor – Karen Eck 0438 532 569, Karen@eckfactor.com
Australian Employee Relations Legislation Resource Hub
There is a significant amount of mandatory Employment Relations legislative change that impacts you and every other business in Australia now. Our resource hub is designed to help you understand these wide-ranging changes.
