Australia Implements 'Right To Disconnect' Law For Employees

Australia's right-to-disconnect law has finally come into effect. As per the law, employees in the country will have the right to refuse to monitor, read, or respond to work communication outside their working hours. Reports indicate that the latest laws are applicable to workers at companies with more than 15 employees and will take effect for those at small businesses from August 2025.

It is to be noted that the laws do not prohibit employers from getting in touch or employees from contacting each other. Instead, the laws give employees the right to ignore that contact without disciplinary action. Unions and rights groups have welcomed the law. However, employer associations who say the legislation is flawed and was rushed into law, reported Reuters.

As per the new law, employees and employers should try to resolve disputes among themselves. If that is unsuccessful, Australia's Fair Work Commission (FWC) can intervene. The commission can then order the employer to stop contacting the employee after hours. Also, FWC can also order employees to reply if their refusal is not reasonable.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, over 20 countries have implemented similar laws, and research has found improved well-being and work satisfaction in firms with right-to-disconnect policies.