Australia has passed a law granting employees the “right to disconnect” from work-related emails and calls outside of working hours, unless it is deemed “unreasonable”. The measure is aimed at reducing the pressure on workers to be constantly available and promoting a better work-life balance.
The law, introduced as part of a broader package of labor reforms, will be enforced by fines for workplaces that breach the rules. Australia joins countries like France, Germany, Italy, and Canada in implementing similar measures to protect workers from being punished for not responding to work-related messages after hours.
Despite its laidback image, Australia has seen a growing culture of overwork, with employees performing unpaid work and struggling to maintain boundaries between work and personal life. The new law aims to address these issues and improve productivity by encouraging more efficient work practices.
While some business lobby groups have expressed concerns about the impact of the law on productivity and the economy, labor advocates and experts believe that it will stimulate important conversations about the expectations around work-related communication outside of normal working hours.
Overall, the “right to disconnect” law represents a significant step towards promoting a healthier work-life balance for Australian workers and addressing the challenges of a constantly connected work culture. It is hoped that the law will lead to more reasonable expectations around work-related communication and ultimately contribute to a more productive and sustainable work environment.
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