Starting Monday, August 26, 2024, Australian workers will gain a new legal right to disconnect from work-related communications outside of paid hours. This new legislation aims to address the issue of unpaid work, which currently averages 5.4 hours per week per worker. The law allows employees to ignore calls and emails from their bosses during annual leave, late at night, or during family time unless the contact is deemed unreasonable.
Natasha Hawker, Managing Director of Employee Matters, has expressed concerns about businesses being unprepared for the implications of these new laws. She emphasises the importance of understanding the potential for Fair Work mediation, lawsuits, or fines, and advises employers to clearly communicate these changes to their workforce and review their current practices to ensure compliance.
Read the full article from Australian Associated Press to understand the implications of these new workplace laws in detail.
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
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Your Guide
Access this concise Closing Loopholes Bill summary and guide detailing the proposed changes to the Fair Work Act, and the implications for employers.
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.
Employee Relations Legislation Changes 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.
3-STEP UPDATE PACK
Take the first step to be compliant. Our 3-Step Update Pack helps Australian business owners and HR professionals understand what these new ER legislation changes mean and what to do about them.
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