Australia has a rich history when it comes to setting work limits. In 1856, Victorian stonemasons made history by demanding to work no more than eight hours a day, setting a precedent for workers‘ rights worldwide. However, fast forward to the present day, and Australians are facing a new challenge of putting in „extreme and excessive“ working hours, according to experts.
The rise of new digital tools and flexible working models has created a culture where it is the norm to be constantly contactable. This has led to many Australians being at „high risk“ of work addiction, with our work-life balance suffering in comparison to other countries.
To address this issue, new laws are set to come into effect next week, aiming to establish work boundaries in an increasingly hyper-connected world. These „right to disconnect“ policies have been successful in other countries and will apply to businesses with 15 or more employees in Australia.
From August 26, employees will have the right to refuse to monitor, read, or respond to contact from their employer outside work hours unless deemed unreasonable. While managers will not be restricted from contacting employees, this law is a step in the right direction to address burnout and mental health issues associated with overwork.
Similar laws have been adopted in up to 25 countries, with France leading the way in 2017 by requiring companies to negotiate agreements with staff over their rights to ignore after-hours communication. Fines for breaching these laws are rare but do occur, emphasizing the importance of protecting the health and wellbeing of workers in the digital age.
Research by the European Union agency Eurofound has shown improved wellbeing and work satisfaction in companies with right-to-disconnect policies. However, a policy alone is deemed „insufficient“ to bring about cultural change in the workplace.
Australia has created a culture that encourages working long hours, with employees feeling pressured to work overtime due to job security fears and the increased cost of living. A study by the Centre for Future Work estimated that Australian workers are doing an extra 5.4 hours a week on average, resulting in 280 hours of unpaid time each year.
While the new laws are a positive step forward, challenges remain in shifting behaviors and creating a culture that discourages excessive working hours. Employees can start by setting their own boundaries, such as turning off notifications and taking work emails off their phones to prioritize their well-being and work-life balance.
In conclusion, the „right to disconnect“ laws in Australia show promise in addressing work addiction and promoting a healthier work-life balance. By raising awareness and implementing effective measures to limit out-of-hours connection, these laws can send a message that it is okay to say no to excessive work demands and prioritize self-care.