Australia’s bold step to curb work-life intrusion: A right to disconnect for the digital age

Recognising this critical issue, Australia has taken a groundbreaking step by introducing the “right to disconnect” legislation. This policy, which restricts employers from contacting employees outside regular working hours except in emergencies, is more than just a policy shift—it’s a necessary revolution for fostering healthier work environments in an increasingly hyper-connected world.

The need for change

The urgent need to address several workplace challenges is what inspired Australia's new legislation and one of the predictions I made in 2020 in the book titled 'Australia 2030: Where the bloody hell are we!'

• Work-life balance: Australia currently ranks 29th out of 38 countries in work-life balance according to the OECD, with 13% of employees working very long hours (over 50 hours per week). In comparison, countries like the Netherlands and Denmark, which have robust work-life balance policies, report far fewer employees working long hours (5% and 2%, respectively). Australia’s new law aims to restore boundaries between work and personal time, reducing stress and burnout.
• Work hours and overtime: Australians work an average of 33.1 hours per week, but full-time workers often exceed 40 hours, with 21% working more than 50 hours weekly. Many also face the pressure of unpaid overtime, with 30% regularly working beyond their contracted hours. In countries like Belgium, which has a “right to disconnect” law, less than 10% of employees work unpaid overtime, highlighting the potential benefits of such legislation.
• Work-related stress: About 45% of Australian employees reported work-related stress in 2022, primarily due to constant connectivity and expectations to be available outside of working hours. In countries with protective laws, such as Sweden and Germany, reported work-related stress is significantly lower (around 25-30%). The “right to disconnect” law is expected to help bring Australia’s stress levels closer to these healthier norms.
• Mental health: One in five Australians experienced a mental health issue in 2023, with work stress being a significant contributor (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare). By comparison, countries with strong work-life balance protections, like Finland and Norway, have lower rates of work-related mental health issues (10–15%), demonstrating the positive impact of employee downtime protections.

Implications of the right to disconnect legislation

Australia’s new legislation is poised to deliver multiple benefits, learning from the experiences of other countries that have enacted similar policies:

1. Improved work-life balance: By establishing clearer boundaries between work and personal time, Australia aims to reduce burnout, boost well-being, and improve its OECD work-life balance ranking.

2. Enhanced mental health: Prioritising mental health through this law could lead to a decline in stress, anxiety, and depression, reducing healthcare costs and improving overall societal well-being.

3. Increased productivity: Limiting work-related contact outside working hours can enhance focus and productivity during designated work periods, potentially reducing the need for overtime and improving efficiency.

4. Greater employer accountability: By legally mandating respect for personal time, the legislation promotes healthier work cultures, likely increasing employee satisfaction and reducing turnover rates.

5. Support for remote workers: As remote work becomes more prevalent, this law addresses the blurred boundaries between work and home life, improving the well-being and retention of remote employees.

6. Cultural and economic impact: The legislation advocates for a cultural shift towards valuing personal time and well-being, creating more sustainable working environments and societal expectations. It could also lead to reduced economic costs related to burnout, absenteeism, and mental health care, potentially saving the Australian economy over AUD 10 billion annually.

7. Gender equality and work hours: The policy could promote more equitable work conditions, as women in Australia are disproportionately likely to work part-time due to caregiving responsibilities. Countries like Sweden, with stronger work-life balance policies, show a more balanced distribution of work hours between genders.

A global movement toward healthier workplaces

Australia’s new “right to disconnect” legislation follows the lead of other countries like France, which introduced similar laws in 2017. France has since seen a decline in burnout rates, from 44% in 2017 to 36% in 2023, demonstrating the positive impact of such policies. If Australia’s legislation proves effective, it could inspire other countries to adopt similar measures, contributing to a global movement towards healthier work practices.

The way forward

As we continue to navigate the complexities of the digital age, protecting our right to disconnect is more than a policy change; it’s a commitment to a sustainable future. By learning from countries with established “right to disconnect” laws, Australia is taking a decisive step toward transforming workplace culture, enhancing mental health, and setting a new standard for managing work-life balance in an always-on world.

References

• OECD Better Life Index, 2022
• Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2023
• Safe Work Australia, 2022
• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), 2023
• Australian Human Resources Institute, 2023
• Gallup Employee Engagement Report, 2023
• Data from France’s “Right to Disconnect” Policy, 2017-2023

Author

Rocky Scopelliti is a futurologist and the author of the best-selling book ‘The Conscious Code: Decoding the Implications of Artificial Consciousness’. Now available in Audiobook. FREE for Amazon members.