Australia introduces ‘right to disconnect’ law: Why being constantly connected to work can harm productivity, creativity, and job satisfaction

Australia has recently taken a significant step in promoting work-life balance by granting employees the right to ignore work calls after office hours, with the new ‘right to disconnect’ law.

According to a report by NDTV, this rule “came into force on Monday.” This policy shift addresses a growing concern in today’s digital age, where the lines between work and personal life are increasingly blurred. 

The report stated that John Hopkins, an associate professor at Swinburne University of Technology, said, “Before we had digital technology there was no encroachment, people would go home at the end of a shift and there would be no contact until they returned the following day.”

“Now, globally it’s the norm to have emails, SMS, phone calls outside those hours, even when on holiday,” he continued. 

Constantly being connected to work may seem like a way to stay productive, but research suggests it can actually have the opposite effect, leading to burnout, reduced creativity, and a decline in overall job satisfaction.

Neha Parashar, senior psychologist at Mindtalk, says, “The introduction of laws allowing Australian employees to ignore work calls after hours marks a critical shift in the global conversation around work-life balance. The reality of constant connectivity, fueled by digital tools and remote working, has blurred the lines between professional and personal lives.

The impact of being constantly connected to work 

Parashar says, “When work invades personal time, anxiety levels rise as employees anticipate the next task or email. This hypervigilance prevents true relaxation and recovery.”

Persistent connection to work without breaks can lead to burnout, a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, she adds. “Studies published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology show that the risk of burnout significantly increases when employees don’t have time to disconnect and recharge.”

Checking work emails or dealing with work-related stress late into the evening can disrupt sleep patterns. This not only affects cognitive function but also contributes to other health issues such as weakened immunity and increased risk of chronic conditions like hypertension.

“The body’s need for rest is undermined when employees cannot fully disconnect from work, leading to constant fatigue that hinders their ability to be productive during actual working hours,” stresses Parashar.

Australia has recently taken a significant step in promoting work-life balance by granting employees the right to ignore work calls after office hours (Source: Freepik)

Long-term effects of not having clear boundaries on job satisfaction and performance

Employees who are unable to switch off from work often feel that their personal life is being overshadowed by their professional responsibilities. Additionally, when work intrudes on personal time, employees often feel like they are losing autonomy over their schedules, which can lead to frustration and resentment toward their job or employer.

Constant work engagement without breaks impairs cognitive function, making it harder to focus when it’s actually time to work, Parashar tells indianexpress.com. “Research from Harvard Business Review suggests that uninterrupted engagement with work can diminish employees’ ability to prioritise tasks and solve complex problems effectively.”

Ironically, she mentions, overwork can make employees less efficient. The lack of rest can lead to mistakes and decreased productivity, causing a cycle where employees feel they need to work even longer to compensate for the inefficiencies created by exhaustion.

Strategies for companies to support a healthy work-life balance

Parashar notes, “Employers should establish policies that respect the boundary between work and personal time. This includes limiting after-hours communication and ensuring that employees understand they are not expected to respond to work emails or calls outside of designated hours.”

She states, “Promoting the use of vacation days, personal time, and regular breaks during the workday can help employees recharge. A study from the American Psychological Association shows that employees who take regular time off report higher job satisfaction and are more productive when they return to work.”

Flexible schedules that allow employees to manage their own work hours can help them achieve a better work-life balance. Create a company culture where disconnecting after work is not only accepted but encouraged. Managers can lead by example by not sending after-hours emails or messages and by showing that taking time for personal life is a priority.

Supporting mental health through access to counselling, wellness programs, or mental health days can help employees manage work-related stress and prevent burnout, states Parashar.

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