Kevin O'Leary, the outspoken investor and television personality from Shark Tank, didn't hold back during a recent Fox News interview, slamming Australia's newly enacted "right to disconnect" law. The law, which took effect in August 2024, allows employees to ignore work-related communications outside of official working hours to promote work-life balance and protect mental health.
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O'Leary described the legislation as "dumb" and raised concerns about its practicality, particularly in emergencies.
"This kind of stuff just makes me crazy. It's so dumb," O'Leary said. "Who dreams this crap up is my question? And why would anybody propose such a stupid idea?"
O'Leary expressed frustration with the potential operational challenges the law could create for businesses.
In the interview, he asked, "What happens if you have an event in the office and it's closed? Or you have an emergency somewhere and you have to get ahold of them at 2 in the morning because it affects the job they're working on and their mandate within the organization?"
He emphasized the importance of being reachable for urgent work matters, noting that employers may need to contact staff during unconventional hours to handle crises.
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Known for his no-nonsense business philosophy, O'Leary was clear on how he'd handle employees who invoked their "right to disconnect." He explained, "If you put yourself in silent mode and I can't reach you when the job depends on it, I'd fire you. That's it."
O'Leary argued that the law could harm productivity, especially for businesses with global operations requiring flexible communication across time zones.
Australia's "right to disconnect" law is part of a growing global trend, mirroring similar legislation in countries like France and Spain. It gives employees the right to:
- Refuse to monitor, read or respond to work-related communications outside official hours.
- Decline communications from employers unless the refusal is deemed unreasonable.
The goal is to address issues like employee burnout, mental health struggles and unpaid overtime. Advocates argue that setting boundaries promotes healthier work-life balance and protects employees from exploitative practices.
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While supporters celebrate the law as a step toward reducing workplace stress, critics like O'Leary see it as threatening business efficiency.
Business groups have raised concerns about challenges the law might pose, particularly for industries relying on time-sensitive communication. However, proponents point out that burnout affects nearly 76% of U.S. workers, according to PR Newswire, with similar numbers reported globally.
The legislation provides flexibility, considering factors like employee seniority, urgency of the contact and potential disruption when determining if ignoring communication is "reasonable."
O'Leary's fiery comments highlight the tension between business needs and employee well-being. While the law is designed to empower workers, its implications for industries with international operations remain to be seen. As workplaces evolve, finding a balance between accessibility and personal time will be critical to ensuring both employee satisfaction and operational success.
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