Australians get 'right to disconnect' after work hours

Australia has introduced a new law granting workers the "right to disconnect" after work hours. This means employees now have the legal right to ignore work-related communications, such as emails and phone calls, once their workday has ended. The law aims to protect workers' personal time and mental health, ensuring they are not obliged to engage in work-related activities outside their contracted hours.

This move follows growing concerns about the blurred lines between work and personal life, especially with the rise of remote work. The right to disconnect is seen as a step toward maintaining a healthy work-life balance, allowing employees to fully disengage from work and recharge during their personal time.

Employers are encouraged to respect this boundary and adjust their expectations, ensuring that their staff can enjoy their time off without the pressure of responding to work communications. The legislation also provides a framework for resolving disputes if an employer violates this right.

This law is part of a broader global trend, with countries like France, Spain, and Portugal also adopting similar regulations to safeguard workers' personal time.

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