Remember when you used to get text messages like this?
I remember getting a text message like this – cutting my weekend short and heading straight to work without a second thought. This slowly became frowned upon and soon it is to be illegal! The new ‘right to disconnect’ laws are fast approaching and as of the 26 August 2024, non-small businesses (15 and over employees) will need to consider whether they have a reasonable reason to contact someone outside of work!
People are freaking out and rightly so. We hear the cries all the time:
🗨️”How am I meant to run my business, when I can’t contact my staff”
🗨️”What if there is an issue”
🗨️”We are becoming too restricted in our ability to manage urgent matters!”
Business owners have some justifiable concerns; however, it is also worth looking at it from an employee’s perspective.
❓What if they are at home relaxing with family?
❓What if they are thinking to themselves all the time – will I be called today?
❓Is it really healthy to not have the chance to unwind?
These questions underscore the need for a thoughtful approach to balancing work demands with personal time.
The Right to Disconnect doesn’t mean cutting off communication altogether. It’s about fostering a healthy work-life balance. Before reaching for the phone after hours, businesses are encouraged to consider:
✅Purpose of Contact: Is it necessary, or can it wait until business hours?
✅Compensation: Are employees compensated for being available outside their regular schedule?
✅Role and Responsibility: Does the nature of the job warrant after-hours contact?
✅Personal Circumstances: Does the employee have personal commitments that may affect their availability?
📢What are your thoughts on the Right to Disconnect? How can businesses effectively balance operational needs with employee well-being in this evolving landscape?
