The Right to Disconnect in Australia

A new law in Australia provides employees with the right to disconnect from work after hours, alleviating the pressure to respond to messages from employers during personal time. This law, applicable to businesses of 15 or more employees, protects workers who choose not to monitor or respond to communication outside their designated hours, unless deemed unreasonable. While this does not completely prohibit employers from contacting employees after hours, it gives workers the autonomy to ignore non-urgent matters, which can help combat burnout and promote a healthier work-life balance. However, some debate exists about the law's implications on productivity and employer-employee relations, with some opponents arguing that it could harm professional dynamics and responsiveness in the workplace.