#187 - Reframing the new Right to Disconnect rules, with Paula Maidens

 
 

As business owners, we often find ourselves navigating a constantly evolving landscape of rules and regulations. 

But what if we could transform what seems like yet another layer of complexity into a unique opportunity for growth? 

I had the opportunity to sit down with the amazing Paula Maidens, a business owner I deeply respect and admire, to unpack the new Right to Disconnect rules. Paula runs a consultancy that specialises in helping business owners hire, build and transform high-performing teams. Her approach to business is as authentic as it is refreshing, making her the perfect guest to delve into the nuances of these new regulations.

For so many business owners that I talk to, there's a lot of fear and uncertainty around these new rules relating to when they can contact their employees, and the expectations around when employees should respond. 

In this conversation, we discuss how there doesn't need to be a negative Nancy-type approach to these new Right to Disconnect Rules. Rather, there’s an opportunity to reframe this change and motivate us to review our systems and processes, as well as our interactions with those we work with. 

Building a Culture of Communication

Paula highlights the critical role culture plays in how these rules are perceived and implemented within a business. If you're finding it hard to navigate these changes, perhaps it's time to evaluate the culture you’ve established. Have you created an environment where urgent matters are expected to be dealt with immediately, irrespective of the time or day? 

Paula suggests that lax organisational habits might be to blame for the pressure to respond instantly. The crux of the Right to Disconnect is not about restricting communication but rather about establishing clear boundaries and expectations. It's about protecting employees from unreasonable demands while fostering a healthy work-life balance.

Strategic Approach: From Fear to Opportunity

The transition from panic to progress begins with open communication and a strategic approach. Here are a few steps to consider:

1. Revisit Your Processes: Start by listing out what's currently not working. Address those persistent pain points that keep you up at night. Sometimes, anxiety stems simply from not knowing whether you're in compliance or not.

2. Evaluate the ‘Why’: If urgent communications happen too frequently, investigate the roots. Understanding why things must be done immediately can help in strategising more effectively.

3. Set Clear Expectations: Both with your clients and your team, clarity is key. Paula illustrated this with her own experience running a yoga studio, where clear communication protocols prevented chaos when an instructor was suddenly unavailable.

4. Create Robust Systems: Develop systems that work for both your business and your employees. Ensure everyone knows what to do in unexpected situations, reducing dependency on you as the owner.

5. Training and Communication: Equip your team with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand and effectively navigate new regulations. 

Embrace the Change

While they can be seen as putting extra pressure on business owners, the Right to Disconnect rules can instead be a catalyst to cultivate a sustainable and respectful workplace culture. This is a prime opportunity to reassess and align your business operations with your core values and long-term goals.

If you're uncertain about where to start, remember that conversation, communication and accessible resources like Paula's consultancy can be invaluable allies in this journey.

LINKS:

Connect with Paula: 

Website: https://paulamaidens.com/ 

Instagram: @paulmaidensconsulting

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Nicole Macdonald

AUTHOR


Nicole Macdonald – January Made x Creative Process Collective

Hi there! I’m the founder and head architect behind Creative Process Collective, as well as owner and designer over at January Made Design.  You can guarantee I will greet you with an over the top smile and talk your ears off about all things creative, small business and probably pets (everyone loves pets). Serial over-sharer on social media, you’ll be able to find me most days sitting at my trestle table working away with a green tea and surrounded by too many house plants and most likely a cat stretched across my keyboard.

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https://www.januarymade.co.nz
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