The issue of unpaid overtime is back under the microscope following legislation that came into effect in France guaranteeing employees have a “right to disconnect” after work. 

Workplace demographer Lisa Denny believes unpaid overtime is prevalent in almost all workplaces in some way. 

“We’re in a really difficult situation where the technology is enabling us to engage with work at any time of the day effectively,” she said. 

Ms Denny said fiscal restraints are requiring businesses to deliver at a lower cost, meaning they expect more of their workers. 

Despite Tasmania’s relaxed image unpaid overtime is still prevalent Ms Denny believes. A lack of employment opportunities  could be contributing to people working overtime for free. 

“I think there’s certainly an element of that here, I’m not sure whether it necessarily means that they (workers) couldn't watch their hours, but I think they’re very cognisant that there aren't many other opportunities out there,” Ms Denny said. 

But, Ms Denny doesn’t think Australia necessarily needs “extreme” legislation like that introduced in France. She said Tasmanian workers already have legislative protection for their right to not work beyond their hours. 

“Most people have implemented some level of workplace agreement and it would be stipulated in there the expectations of the job, the position description, the hours worked, the rate of pay, so already there is a legislative framework,” Ms Denny said.