New law in Australia allowed workers to disconnect from boss after office hours

A new law in Australia allowed workers to disconnect from their boss after office hours. This law enables them to reject illogical calls, emails, and texts from their employers during off-peak hours.

So, Australian workers are now free to decline to monitor, read, or reply to messages from their employers sent to them after office hours, unless they consider boss contact as “unreasonable.”

Worker Unions have appreciated this law stating that it allowed employees to regain some extent of work-life balance. The law was passed on August 26, 2024.

*Australian employees can now ignore boss calls and messages under the new law*

Australian Council of Trade Unions President Michele O’Neil declared today a historic day for working people. She stated that Australian unions have reclaimed the right to take a break after work.

New rights for workers – today! pic.twitter.com/2Z6utEUEqq
— Michele O'Neil (@MicheleONeilAU) August 26, 2024

People in the streets of Sydney seemed happy about this law. Karolina Joseski, a worker at a non-profit organization, said she finds it difficult to switch off, and even when she is not online, her mind is always working overtime. Hence, receiving that call from her manager after working hours doesn’t always help.

However, the Australian Industry Group did not welcome the new law warmly in Australia; that allowed workers to disconnect from boss after working hours. It released a statement that “the right to disconnect” laws are rushed, poorly thought out, and deeply confusing.

Impending introduction of Right to Disconnect laws threatens to cause conflict & chaos in workplaces – last thing Australians need as they try to deal with cost of living pressures: https://t.co/QvMOrMjeZE #ausbiz #auspol #workplace
— Ai Group (@The_AiGroup) August 22, 2024

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According to the statement, employers and workers will now be uncertain whether they can take or make a call of hours to offer an extra shift.

The new Australian law is also similar to some countries in Europe and Latin America. University of Sydney Associate Professor Chrish Wright said research shows “the right to disconnect” benefits employees.

EU work-related agency Eurofound conducted research in 2023. This showed over 70% of workers in European Union companies had a positive impact owing to the disconnect right.