RIGHT TO DISCONNECT // Do you think it is reasonable to be truly 'out-of-the-office' from time to time? Do you have a separate work device or do you bring your own phone, tablet or laptop to work? Does your employer expect you to always be available to answer phone, text, email or chat messages at any time of the day or night? These issues are discussed in this 7NEWS Australia Lifestyle piece by Cindy Tran including quotes from Nat Barr, Joe Hildebrand, Susie O'Brien and Adam Bandt MP I recommend that: ⭐ if you are in your own business, make sure you disconnect regularly (over 1.5 million Australians are self-employed) ⭐ if you work for someone, make sure it is clear on both sides as to when you are available ⭐ remember that it needs to be fair and reasonable on both sides (how much time do you do personal stuff at work?) ⭐ if you are an employer, have clear conversations in the onboarding process so new employees know what to expect - or discuss if there needs to be a significant change ⭐ understand that individual people have personal preferences and sometimes arrangements need to be made on a case-by-case basis (however, I do not recommend on site short shifts with short gaps or preventing flexible work arrangements if they can be negotiated fairly) What do you think? Does the right-to-disconnect need to be legislated to improve the situation for employees? Will it create an extra burden on human resources staff as well? Will rostering need to change? #sueellson