Right to Disconnect in Detail: An In-Depth Discussion on 3AW Afternoons with Tony Moclair

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.