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The Roundtable: a right to disconnect?

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The Roundtable: a right to disconnect?

The ubiquity of digital technology in our work lives makes it difficult for workers to disconnect from work at the end of the day, and easier for employers to encroach on non-work hours. This ‘invisible leash’ has been shown to have a negative impact on workers’ mental health and has contributed to burnout. In order to tackle burnout, the Victoria Police Association negotiated a new clause in its most recent enterprise agreement, on the right to disconnect, and other unions are pushing for more Australians to have this right. What is the best way to guarantee workers' right to disconnect, and could it have unintended consequences?

Guests: Dr Jim Stanford, economist and director of the Centre for Future Work at the Australia Institute

Jenny Lambert, acting CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Professor William Becker, department of management at Pamplin School of Business, Virginia Tech

Credits

Broadcast 
Work, Fundamental Rights, Information Technology Industry
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