Understanding Queensland’s New “Right to Disconnect” Laws

What Queensland businesses need to know and when to act

In today's always-on world, the lines between work and personal time have become increasingly blurred. Recognising the importance of work-life balance, Queensland is introducing new "Right to Disconnect" laws aimed at ensuring employees have the ability to disengage from work communications outside their standard working hours.

What is the "Right to Disconnect"?

The "Right to Disconnect" grants employees the legal right to refuse monitoring, reading, or responding to work-related communications outside their ordinary working hours, unless such refusal is unreasonable. This includes emails, phone calls, messages, or any other form of contact from employers or colleagues.

Implementation Timeline

The rollout of these laws is staggered based on the size of the business:

• Non-Small Businesses (15 or more employees): The laws came into effect on 26 August 2024.

• Small Businesses (fewer than 15 employees): The laws will come into effect on 26 August 2025.

This phased approach provides small businesses with additional time to adjust their policies and practices to comply with the new regulations.

What Constitutes "Unreasonable" Contact?

While the laws provide employees with the right to disconnect, there are exceptions where refusal to engage may be deemed unreasonable. These exceptions can include situations where:

• The contact is required by law or regulation.

• The employee is on-call or has agreed to be available outside standard hours.

• There is an emergency or urgent matter that necessitates immediate attention.

Employers should assess the necessity and urgency of after-hours communications and establish clear guidelines to determine what constitutes reasonable contact.

Steps for Businesses to Prepare

To ensure compliance and foster a healthy work environment, businesses should consider the following actions:

Review and Update Policies: Amend existing workplace policies to reflect the new right to disconnect provisions, clearly outlining expectations for after-hours communication.
Educate Managers and Staff: Conduct training sessions to inform all employees about their rights and responsibilities under the new laws.
Implement Clear Communication Protocols: Establish guidelines for when and how after-hours communication is appropriate, ensuring that all staff are aware of these protocols.
Monitor and Evaluate: Regularly assess the effectiveness of the implemented policies and make necessary adjustments based on feedback and observed outcomes.

The Importance of Work-Life Balance

Embracing the right to disconnect is not just about legal compliance; it's about recognising the value of employee well-being. By respecting boundaries between work and personal time, businesses can enhance employee satisfaction, reduce burnout, and improve overall productivity.

Need Assistance Navigating the New Laws?

At HR Teams, we specialise in helping Queensland businesses adapt to legislative changes and foster positive workplace cultures. If you need support in updating your HR policies or training your team, we're here to help.

Note: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, please consult a legal professional.

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