Stay Ahead with ACFA
As part of the recent updates to workplace legislation, the Right to Disconnect laws have been introduced, impacting how employers and employees manage after-hours communication. These laws are crucial for fostering employee well-being by ensuring they aren’t required to respond to work-related messages outside of their agreed working hours, except in special circumstances.
What Does the Right to Disconnect Mean for Your Business?
- Employee Well-being: By ensuring employees can switch off after work, you’ll promote a healthier work-life balance, which can also enhance productivity during work hours.
- Legal Compliance: Employers will need to update policies and employment contracts to comply with these laws, especially in relation to after-hours communication.
- Proactive Management: Being aware of these laws early allows you to adapt without disruption to your business operations, ensuring smooth transitions and continued compliance with Fair Work guidelines.
At ACFA, we understand the challenges of keeping up with legislative changes. That’s why we provide our members with the resources and tools they need to remain compliant.
What Resources do ACFA Members have access to?
In response to the Right to Disconnect laws, we have developed and uploaded several templates and updated employment contracts to our Member Portal to assist businesses with implementation:
- Right to Disconnect Policy
- Right to Disconnect Correspondence for Employees
- Right to Disconnect Correspondence for Managers
- Updated Employment Contracts: Including Apprentice, Casual, and Short Employment Agreements.
Our comprehensive full-time and part-time employment contracts, customised to your business needs, are available to members upon request. While these resources are exclusive to members, they provide peace of mind by ensuring your business is legally compliant and your employees understand their rights and responsibilities.
Members also have access to a comprehensive Employer Guide on the Right to Disconnect.
What Does the Employer Guide Cover?
- Dispute Resolution Framework: Guidance on managing disagreements that might arise under the Right to Disconnect provisions.
- Customisable Templates: Including a sample policy and email communication templates that can be adapted to your business.
- Employer Responsibilities: Key responsibilities under the new laws, including how to handle after-hours communications.
- Practical Examples: Real-life scenarios to help you understand how to implement the Right to Disconnect provisions in your workplace
Important Information for Small Businesses:
If you have fewer than 15 employees, compliance with the Right to Disconnect laws will be required by 26 August 2025. ACFA has provided contracts with the option not to include this clause until then, giving you flexibility while preparing for the transition. Don’t miss out on these essential resources and the wealth of other benefits that ACFA membership provides. Join now to stay compliant and ensure your business thrives.
Why Join ACFA?
- Exclusive Access: Access to templates, policies, and guidance that make legislative compliance easier.
- Member Support: Our Workplace Advice team is available to help you customise employment contracts or answer any questions you may have.
- Pro-rata Membership Rates: Now is the perfect time to join, with pro-rata annual membership rates making it more affordable than ever to access all these benefits through to the end of the financial year, 30 June 2025.
Pro-Rata Memberships are available until 31st December 2024
