Starting Monday, Australian employees will have the right to ignore work-related communication outside of their regular working hours, thanks to a new law that enshrines the “right to disconnect.” This law, which was passed in February, ensures that employees are protected if they choose not to monitor, read, or respond to work-related contacts such as emails or phone calls outside of their designated work hours.
Australia joins countries like France, Germany, and others in the European Union, which have already implemented similar laws allowing employees to switch off from work and maintain a clearer boundary between professional and personal time.
While the new legislation aims to support work-life balance and reduce burnout, it has faced criticism from employer groups who argue that it was rushed and contains flaws.
However, the law does provide flexibility, acknowledging certain circumstances where it may be considered unreasonable for an employee to refuse work-related contact outside of hours. These exceptions take into account the employee’s role, the reason for the contact, and the manner in which it is made, among other factors.