How did we get here? It’s madness that we’ve let our phones and notifications basically dictate our lives. We barely have a moment to breathe without some buzz or beep pulling us back in. But what if… just what if … we could hit the pause button, even for a little bit?
Imagine what you could do with those reclaimed hours. Read that book you’ve been meaning to get to? Go for a walk in nature? Actually be present with your loved ones? (Who would have thought you would need to tell people to be present?).
The new “Right to Disconnect” laws are definitely a good step in the right direction. But let’s be real, they’re just scratching the surface. They’re part of a much bigger conversation about our sometimes unhealthy relationship with technology. It’s not just about work-life balance, it’s about reclaiming our lives from the endless scroll, the doomscrolling, and the constant need to be “on.”
The deeper issue is figuring out how to navigate a world that constantly demands our attention. It’s like a mental tug-of-war, and honestly, it’s exhausting. We need to find that healthy balance with technology, where it enhances our lives instead of stressing us out.
As a leader, I’ve always believed in giving people the flexibility they need to balance work and life. Because I get it, juggling everything isn’t easy. When you hire someone, you’re not just hiring them, you’re hiring their whole family. And that means understanding when they need to step away for a school play or to take care of a sick kid.
But those blurred lines between work and life … that’s where it gets tricky. Those late-night emails, the Slack messages that just won’t quit. It’s so tempting to check, to respond, but those little interruptions add up. They steal our time, chip away at our sanity, and create this unhealthy imbalance. And it’s not just about work, it’s about that constant pull to check social media, the news, whatever … it can take over your life – if you let it.
These new laws are about drawing a line in the sand. They’re saying, “Hey, your personal time matters.” And as leaders, we need to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. It’s about respecting those boundaries ourselves and building a culture where people feel comfortable disconnecting.
Now, there’s definitely some grey area with what’s “reasonable” and “unreasonable” after-hours contact. But that’s where we, as leaders, need to step up and use our judgment. Is it an emergency? Or can it wait until morning?
At Spinifex we have had this line in our email signature for a few years: Spinifex is a flexible workplace. I have sent this message at a convenient time for me. It’s not my expectation that you respond or action this message outside of your preferred working hours.
Ultimately, it’s about open communication and setting clear expectations within our teams. Let’s have those honest conversations about after-hours communication and figure out what works for everyone. And let’s also talk about setting boundaries with technology in general. Maybe that means designating screen-free zones at home, or setting specific times for checking emails and social media.
These laws are a reminder that our well-being matters. It’s not just about following the rules; it’s about doing what’s right for ourselves, our relationships, and our overall quality of life.
So let’s embrace this shift and create workplaces where people feel empowered to switch off and recharge. It’s not about being rigid or sticking to the clock. It’s about building a culture where work doesn’t consume our entire lives, and where we all have a healthy relationship with technology.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about disconnecting from work, it’s about reconnecting with what truly matters. Our loved ones, our passions, ourselves.
It’s about reclaiming our lives, one mindful moment at a time.
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