A new law in Australia now allows workers to ignore their bosses after work hours. Some experts suggest that Canada should also adopt a similar law. This law, which took effect on Monday, protects employees from being penalized for not responding to work-related messages outside of their work hours. Supporters of the law believe that it gives workers the confidence to push back against the intrusion of work into their personal lives, especially with the increase in remote work during the pandemic.
According to a survey, Australians worked an average of 281 hours of unpaid overtime in 2023, amounting to a significant monetary value. This law aligns Australia with about two dozen other countries, mainly in Europe and Latin America, that have similar regulations.
Advancements in technology have outpaced labor protections globally, making it easier for work to follow individuals beyond traditional work hours. Employment law experts suggest that laws like the one in Australia can prevent burnout and increase productivity by allowing employees to disconnect from work outside of their designated hours.
In Canada, there is a proposed “right to disconnect” law that aims to protect workers from constant communication outside of work hours. However, the timeline for implementing this law is unclear. The changes are expected to apply to half a million Canadians working in various sectors and are estimated to cost $4.2 million over five years to implement.
While enforcing these laws may pose challenges, experts view them as a step in the right direction. These laws encourage organizations to create cultures that prioritize the well-being and work-life balance of their employees.
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