It’s easy to fall into the habit of working after-hours, including answering emails, texts, and other forms of communication from bosses. Now, Australia is taking legal action to take the pressure off employees. The country has just passed the “right to disconnect” law, allowing people to ignore work-related communications outside their normal working hours without punishment. The regulation doesn't mean employers are banned from contacting their staff after-hours. They can still do so, but now Australians have the right not to respond to inquiries or requests unless the refusal to answer is “unreasonable.” According to the Fair Work Commission, what constitutes unreasonable disconnection depends on the nature of the job. If the contact is required by law to be available at all times, ignoring their employer is considered unreasonable. Other factors, like the reason for attempted contact and the worker’s level of responsibility, also play a role in deciding whether an employee’s response is necessary. In the case of an unreasonable disconnection, companies can order their workers to reply. Employees and employers are expected to apply to the Fair Work Commission for a “stop order” or other intervention if they cannot resolve disconnect issues themselves. Those who do not comply with the rule face a fine of up to $13,000 for an employee or up to $64,000 for a company. The law went into effect on August 26, 2024, for most businesses, but will begin a year later for companies with fewer than 15 employees.
