The line between work and personal life often gets blurry in our ever-connected world. You might find yourself checking emails late at night or feel pressured to respond to work messages on weekends. This led to stress in balancing personal and professional life for many Australians, the government of Australia took these concerns seriously and passed an act earlier this month and called it, “right to disconnect”.
So, how can you make use of this right and reclaim your time?
What is the Right to Disconnect?
At its core, the right to disconnect is about protecting your time outside of work. It means that you shouldn’t feel obligated to answer emails, take calls, or handle work tasks after hours. This right is all about ensuring that your work doesn’t spill over into your personal life, so you can truly switch off and recharge. However, this does not mean you will not receive emails or phone calls or tasks after work hours, the decision to respond to them solely lies with you.
Steps to Access Your Right to Disconnect
1. Have a Chat with Your Employer
The first step is simply to talk with your boss or HR about your boundaries. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but it’s important to:
- Clear Up Expectations: Make sure you know what’s expected of you after hours. Are you really expected to respond to emails at 10 pm, or is that just something you’ve been doing out of habit?
- Set Boundaries: Let them know when you’re available and when you’re off the clock. It’s about finding a balance that works for both you and your employer.
- Put It In Writing: Once both parties have agreed on these boundaries, document them.
If you’re part of a union, they can be a great resource to help you through these conversations and ensure your rights are respected.
2. Learn to Say No
You have every right to say no to work tasks that pop up outside of your work hours. This doesn’t mean ignoring urgent matters, but it does mean feeling confident in not responding to that non-urgent email until the morning. It’s all about balancing your work responsibilities with your personal time.
3. Lean on Your Union
If you’re having trouble getting your employer to respect your boundaries, don’t hesitate to reach out to your union. They can help you advocate for your right to disconnect and ensure that your voice is heard in these discussions.
What to Do If Things Don’t Improve
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the issue might not get resolved within your workplace. If that happens, there’s still a way forward.
If your employer isn’t respecting your right to disconnect, you can take the issue to the Fair Work Commission. They can step in and make a formal order to ensure your employer complies with the legislation, protecting your right to have some true downtime.
Why the Right to Disconnect Matters
The right to disconnect isn’t just about following the rules, it’s about protecting your well-being. When you’re able to truly switch off from work, you’re more likely to stay healthy, happy, and productive. It’s about making sure work doesn’t take over your life and that you have all the time you need to relax, refresh and focus on your personal life.
Bringing It All Together
In Australia, the right to disconnect is becoming increasingly important as we all try to balance the pressures of modern work life. By understanding your rights and having open conversations with your employer, you can take control of your time, and ensure that work doesn’t dominate your life. It’s all about finding that balance and making sure your and your family’s well-being comes first.
Disclaimer: The information and views expressed in the above blog article are individual and inspired from the writer’s experience and study in Mental Health & Hypnotherapy.
