New findings also find lack of implementation towards flexible work practices
Only one in five employers in Australia are implementing the right to disconnect, according to a new report, even though the law is set to take effect in August.
Rippling's latest poll among 500 Australian business leaders revealed that only 20% have introduced the right to disconnect in their workplace.
The low implementation rate comes ahead of the right to disconnect law taking effect on August 26.
Support for right to disconnect, however, is high with 65% of business leaders believing that it could improve business productivity.
Implementation lagging
Rippling's findings indicate that while business leaders acknowledge new workforce practices, implementation has yet to catch up.
This is also the case for the four-day work week scheme, where 66% of business leaders believe they can improve productivity, but only 25% are considering or already implementing it.
Business leaders also have high hopes for the work-from-anywhere scheme in improving business productivity (67%), according to the report. However, around three in four business leaders still prefer the following methods in unlocking greater productivity:
- Training/Upskilling (76%)
- Employee rewards schemes (75%)
- Overtime pay (74%)
Flexible work conversations rising
According to Rippling, while employees shouldn't expect many of flexible work policies to be commonplace soon, conversation on such arrangements are picking up among business leaders.
"We're now seeing working practices become central to the conversation," said Matt Loop, VP and Head of Asia at Rippling, in a statement. "Companies are beginning to understand that greater flexibility in work is not about employees wanting to work less - it's about them wanting to work differently."
The findings come as business leaders put more premium on revenue growth (38%), increased productivity (36%), and employee satisfaction in FY25.
They are also gearing up for challenges including high operational costs (40%), intense market competition (36%), and ongoing regulatory changes (33%).
"Leaders that remain open to the options and adopt a learning mindset will be better positioned to navigate these changes effectively, ensuring both productivity and employee satisfaction while fostering a culture of trust and respect," Loop said.
