Right to Disconnect? 5 Takeaways for Independents From Australia’s New Law

Once digital technologies became ubiquitous, workers discovered that “being available” meant being available 24-7.

But imagine a world where employees can legally ignore those pesky after-hours work calls and emails. Sounds like a dream, right?

Well, for employees in Australia, this is now a reality. A recent article by TIME highlights the new “Right-to-Disconnect” law that came into effect on August 26, 2024, allowing workers to do just that.

Under this law, employers face fines of up to $A 93,000 ($63,000) for contacting employees for non-essential reasons outside of working hours. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasizes the importance of this legislation, stating, “Just as people don’t get paid 24 hours a day, they don’t have to work for 24 hours a day.” He further notes, “For many Australians, I think they’re getting frustrated that they’re expected to be on their phones, their emails, all of that, for 24 hours a day. It’s a mental health issue, frankly.”

While this law doesn’t directly apply to the gig economy, it’s a significant step forward for employees. Recently a similar bill (AB 2751) was defeated in the California State Assembly, but its introduction is another example of how lawmakers around the world are responding to the impact of burnout on workers in our de facto digital workplaces. If you consider the aims of the legislation in light of the independent workforce, here are five takeaways.

1. Setting Boundaries

Independent professionals can benefit from setting clear boundaries with their clients. This includes specifying work hours, response times, and what constitutes an emergency. By doing so, you can manage expectations and prevent over-commitment.

2. Prioritizing Work-Life Balance

The right to disconnect law underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Independent professionals can prioritize their personal time by setting aside time for self-care and ensuring that work does not encroach on personal hours.

3. Negotiating With Clients

Independent professionals should negotiate contracts that include provisions for reasonable communication hours. This can help prevent burnout and maintain a healthy relationship with clients.

4. The Importance of Setting Boundaries

Setting boundaries is crucial for independent professionals. Without clear boundaries, clients may assume that you are available 24/7, leading to burnout and decreased productivity. By setting clear boundaries, you can manage expectations and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

5. The Impact on Productivity

Interestingly, Prime Minister Albanese believes that this law will boost productivity. By allowing employees to disconnect from work outside of working hours, they can recharge and come back to work more focused and productive. This principle can also apply to independent professionals. By prioritizing their personal time and setting clear boundaries, they can maintain their productivity and deliver high-quality work.

While the Australian right to disconnect law doesn’t directly apply to independent professionals, it serves as a reminder of the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining a work-life balance. By adopting these principles, independent professionals can protect their mental health and maintain healthy relationships with their clients.