Hey all, kind of resurrecting this old thread. But since we've now introduced this regulation in Australia, what does it mean to you? Personally, I'm all for it. I work hours that suit me, so I often find myself working later into the night. I often email (never call, because rude) or send IMs to people with requests, feedback, etc, but I never expect them to respond until they're back at work. The converse is true too—I'll get emails/IMs when I'm not on the clock, and there's no expectation for me to respond. Sometimes I respond, but that's only if I have time/can be bothered.
My wife used to have an on-call phone for her work, which meant she had to take calls whenever it rang, regardless of time. But it was a rostered system and she was paid extra for any days that she was rostered for on-call. Which is fair, IMO.
End of the day, it provides security to workers that they won't be penalised for prioritising their own wellbeing. And that has to be a good thing, right?
I firmly believe people should give themselves permission not to be accessible at all times.
Ignore that voicemail.
Leave that message on read.
Turn off your phone.
Don't answer emails.
Destroy your SIM card.
Burn your house down.
Disappear under mysterious circumstances.