Australia’s new right-to-disconnect laws, which allow workers to ignore work-related calls or emails outside paid hours, came into effect on Monday.
The news laws aim to ensure employees are compensated for all work time, addressing the unpaid work done by workers who are ‘off the clock’.
According to the Australia Institute, this figure amounts to an average of 5.4 hours a week per worker.
The laws exclude emergencies and high-income earners and also won’t apply to small businesses for another year.
The rules have sparked political debate, with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton pledging to repeal them if elected.
Critics argue the laws could increase red tape and reduce productivity, while supporters believe they will improve work-life balance and reduce mental health claims.
Businesses have been urged to prepare for the new laws by reviewing policies and ensuring clarity on the new rules, in order to avoid legal consequences.