‘Right to disconnect’ laws amid growing ‘availability creep’

The rise of flexible and remote working arrangements has brought into sharp focus the need for employees to effectively demarcate between home and work. If new rules preventing employers from contacting workers outside of hours are required, how should this be implemented? In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Adelaide Law School senior lecturer Dr Gabrielle Golding to discuss the current climate surrounding flexibility, the proliferation of mental health concerns for workers, the urgency of addressing workplace issues for business owners and leaders, and what Australia can learn from overseas jurisdictions. Dr Golding also delves into the ways in which Australia could introduce “right to disconnect” rules or laws, whether cultural mindset shifts are needed, whether there is an appetite for such changes in Australia right now, the dangers inherent in not taking action, whether there is a place for individual responsibility in driving change, and how workers could push for change. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!