The pandemic blurred an already fuzzy line between work and home. Matthew Abbott for The New York Times

‘Right to disconnect’ reflections

Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts on the “right to disconnect,” a bill that is expected to pass Australia’s House soon. More than 100 of you wrote in — we learned so much from your perspectives. Here are a few thoughts from your fellow readers.

Australia has become one giant nanny state. We have so many rules and regulations governing our daily lives — it is utterly ludicrous! It’s clear that our government (and all parties are the same) think we are incapable of making good decisions for ourselves. I am an employee, not an employer, and even I can see that this “right to disconnect” law will cause issues — uncertainty for sure, and chaos isn’t out of the question either. Why can’t we just let common sense prevail? Do we need a law for everything? — Timothy Hegarty, Melbourne

As a business owner, I support the measure. If I want any of my employees to be available out of hours, that is an issue that needs to be discussed and mutually agreed. Like many employment issues, if it gets to the point of fines and litigation, it’s because it was not handled properly to begin with. — Frank Canas, Sydney

I think it is a great idea! Not only does it afford personal time for the employee, but it also allows that person to regain a sense of self and goodness through bonding with others and recharging one’s mind. It makes the employee, in turn, more productive during workhours. A great movement for the promotion of mental health and business productivity, I say! — Wesley Soguilon, Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines

I don’t think this is practical in today’s world working for large global firms. I wonder if people in white-collar professions still believe in the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. myth. If people want clear, fixed working hours defined, then they limit themselves to roles and jobs that keep them stuck in an endless rut with minimum opportunity to grow and lead. When one is transitioning from middle management to senior management, workhours tend to become client dinners, weekend golfing and the sorts. This is not forced, but it is the way of the world. — Raj Kiran, Sydney

It’s a brilliant idea that will only make workers happier and more productive. Want me to be available outside workhours? Pay me on-call rates. Want me to answer a call, reply to an email or work on anything outside of workhours? Pay me overtime. A job at its most basic is a contract — a set amount of pay in exchange for a set amount of labor. No extra pay? No extra labor. Any employer worth their salt should understand the value of a happy workforce that gets a sufficient amount of rest. — Parizad Aderbehman, Perth, Australia