I'm exercising my right to Disconnect!
Nathan Atkinson CPHR
Strategic Human Resources | Managed HR & Payroll | Recruitment | Training
🤳Ring Ring
... No answer ...
🗨️How can I run my business!
🔊The right to disconnect came into effect on the 26 August 2024 for non-small business owners (15 employees and over!) and we have been inundated with people worried about the running of their business!
I thought I would write this article and clear up somethings...
✅Firstly, it's not the end of the world. The right to disconnect has two components.
1️⃣ Employees CAN reasonably refuse to answer your phone call outside of their usual working times.
2️⃣ Employees CAN'T unreasonably refuse to answer your phone call outside of their usual working times.
✅Secondly, you can still call your employees. The legislation means they don't have to answer (if it is reasonable) and you can't adversely impact them for exercising this right (disciplinary action when they come in the next day).
❓So what is an 'unreasonable refusal'
Several factors will be considered to determine what is unreasonable. These include:
📱the reason for the contact
📱how the contact is made and the level of disruption the contact causes the employee
📱the extent to which the employee is compensated to remain available to perform work during the period in which the contact is made; or for working additional hours outside of the employee's ordinary hours of work
📱the nature of the employee's role and level of responsibility; and
📱the employee's personal circumstances, including family or caring responsibilities.
📱It is also expected that contact during an emergency or to change conditions of work (such as work location or hours) will be considered reasonable.
This legislation was put in place, so you can consider before you pick up that phone - is this contact necessary, or can it wait till they are next in at work?
So before you pick up that phone and give them a call, consider the above factors.
Of course, please keep in mind this is general information and every case is different! If you have questions or want to chat - please reach out!
I love Coffee, so if you fancy a coffee chat - coffees are on me!
😎 0481 877 880
🙌 nathan@strategichrsupports.com
(or send me a LinkedIn message)!