Australia’s right to disconnect law: What it means for you and your team’s mental health

Australia recently introduced a new law – ‘the right to disconnect‘- which represents a significant leap in promoting a healthy work-life balance to protect employees’ mental health.

In the last few years, post-COVID, we’ve seen a major shift with workplaces increasingly moving to an online model. Following this, after-hours emails, internal messages and work calls have blurred the boundaries between work time, and personal time. The increased connectivity to the online world has taken a toll on the mental health of Australian workers. According to the Safe Work Australia Report, ‘Psychological health and safety in the workplace’, work-related mental health issues have risen in recent years, with a 36.9% increase since 2018. Addressing these statistics is imperative for the health of Australians. But what is the right to disconnect, and what does it entail?

The right to disconnect is a new Australian law that ensures employees are not expected to engage in work-related communications outside their agreed work hours.

This can include emails, texts or messages, or phone calls outside of office hours. Employers are also encouraged to establish clear policies and regulations that respect these boundaries.

By introducing this law, the government hopes to improve the mental health of the workforce, reduce burnout, and enhance productivity.

The Right To Disconnect law applies to all Australian workers but particularly affects office workers and remote employees based on their contracts and flexible working policies.

The core of this new law is that all employees deserve the right to be undisturbed during their personal time. The right to disconnect underscores the importance of clear boundaries for maintaining work-life balance. When respected, these boundaries promote better mental health, improved focus, and greater job satisfaction.

According to research, the effects of burnout are detrimental to employees’ wellbeing. According to a study from The Black Dog Institute, the most common reason for work-related mental health concerns in Australia is work pressure.

Disconnecting from the workplace not only prevents harm but also offers tangible benefits.

Studies show improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and increased productivity when employees disconnect from work after hours. Healthy boundaries not only enhance individual wellbeing but also strengthen team morale and cohesion.

Creating a workplace culture that respects the right to disconnect requires intentional effort. Here’s how teams and managers can support this shift:

1. Encourage Clear Communication: Establish expectations for after-hours communication. For example, designate certain hours as ‘non-contact times.’
2. Implement ‘No-Email’ Policies After Hours: Discourage sending emails or messages outside of work hours unless absolutely necessary.
3. Schedule Non-Urgent Communications: Use tools like delayed sending to ensure non-urgent messages reach employees during work hours.
4. Designate a Team ‘Switch-Off’ Time: Create a shared practice of switching off work devices at a specific time each day.

Australia’s right to disconnect law is a powerful tool for fostering healthier workplaces. By respecting employees’ time, businesses can enhance mental health, reduce burnout, and improve overall productivity.

Healthier employees are more engaged, motivated, and effective. As organisations implement boundary-setting practices, they contribute to a more sustainable, supportive work environment. If you, or someone you know require support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Find out more about our services.