What are your thoughts on the 'right to disconnect' laws?

In Australia, 'out of office' may soon take on a whole new level of importance.

The Senate there passed a bill on Thursday that gives employees the right to ignore calls and messages outside working hours without fear of repercussions. Australia is following in the footsteps of France, which in 2017 introduced the right of employees to disconnect from employers while in service, a move later followed by Germany, Italy and Belgium.

Under the bill in Australia, companies could be fined for punishing employees who don't respond. It is expected to receive final approval in the House of Representatives.

Unions and others have long advocated for the right to disconnect, an idea that has become increasingly popular during the coronavirus pandemic. Some critics, however, call it a government overreach that could hurt businesses.

We would like to know what you think. We ask readers: How would “right to disconnect” laws affect you? What would be the positive or negative points?

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