Australia gave people a right to log off, and bosses are unhappy

The right to disconnect in Australia came into effect late last month for businesses with 15 or more employees. But what Australia’s government deems a necessary protection for workers could prove a headache for employers, who must now navigate between complying and getting the job done. — Bloomberg

Glen Day employs 120 people at his chain of restaurants in Australia’s Gold Coast. Under the country’s new right-to-disconnect laws, he may have to think twice before contacting them after hours.

“It’s really a hindrance,” Day said, calling the regulations unworkable for employers in hospitality, where hours often run late and workers are rarely on a 9-to-5 schedule. “If someone calls in sick, you’ve got to ring around and find a replacement. We’re not supposed to bother them at home, but for us that’s impossible.”