Unlocking Workforce Balance: How Technology Could Help Manage Workloads and Enforce “Right to Disconnect” Laws in Australia
Technology is evolving at a rapid pace, and with it comes new opportunities to revolutionize the way IT leaders manage their teams. Avaya, a leading software firm, believes that technology could soon provide solutions to help employers maintain reasonable working hours for their tech teams and broader workforces.
Phil Zammit, Avaya’s vice president for Asia-Pacific and Japan, China, and India, highlights the shift towards an “always-on” work culture, especially in front-office roles, which has only been exacerbated by the pandemic forcing remote work. As Australia introduces “Right to Disconnect” laws for larger employers, businesses are being prompted to leverage technology to optimize workflows and establish healthier work boundaries.
Right to Disconnect Now Enshrined for Australia’s Tech Workforce
Under Australia’s new right to disconnect laws, employees at organizations with more than 15 staff members have the right to decline out-of-hours work-related communication in certain situations. This policy applies to both direct and indirect members of the technology workforce, estimated at approximately 935,000 workers as of mid-2023.
However, the new employee right is subject to interpretation based on the reasonableness of out-of-hours contact and has yet to be tested by Australia’s Fair Work Commission. Zammit notes that organizations are actively working towards compliance with these laws while balancing the need to get work done efficiently.
Balancing Productivity with Employee Work-Life Balance
Despite the prevalence of working outside scheduled hours in Australia, there is a growing focus on maintaining work-life balance among employees. Research indicates that employees are increasingly selecting employers based on their commitment to supporting a healthy work-life balance.
While working outside standard hours may be necessary at times, it is essential for organizations to respect the right to disconnect and ensure that employees are not overwhelmed by constant work demands. Finding the right balance between productivity and well-being is crucial for employee satisfaction and retention.
Technology Could Bring Workforce Balance and Business Growth
While technology has contributed to the blurring of work boundaries, it also holds the key to achieving a better balance for employees. By adopting sophisticated workforce management tools used in contact centers, organizations can optimize workloads, manage peaks and troughs effectively, and safeguard the right to disconnect.
AI-driven solutions are increasingly being used to streamline workflows and flatten workload fluctuations, ensuring a more consistent and manageable workload for employees. By extending these optimization strategies to front-office roles, organizations can create a more efficient operating model that benefits both employees and customers.
Ultimately, technology has the potential to revolutionize how workforces are managed, promoting a healthier work-life balance and enhancing the overall employee and customer experience.