OPINION AND COMMENTARY

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A new Australian plan to give workers a “right to disconnect” from after-hours emails or phone calls from their supervisors is making headlines around the world. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for the U.S. and other countries, if it allows for reasonable exceptions.

The bill, which was approved by Australia’s Senate on Feb. 8, would allow workers to ignore after-hours office calls, and prevent companies from punishing employees for doing so. It is almost certain to pass the House of Representatives and become law, according to Australian press reports.

“Someone who is not being paid 24 hours a day shouldn’t be penalized if they’re not online and available 24 hours a day,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Feb. 7.

The proposed new Australian law seems to confirm a growing global trend toward limiting working hours to help reduce burnout. France, Germany, Belgium and Italy, among other countries, have passes similar laws in recent years.

Worker satisfaction has become an increasingly important issue, because there is a global rise of unhappiness, and much of it is work-related. A Gallup poll conducted in 142 countries found that negative experiences — or unhappiness — rose from 24% of those polled in 2006 to 32% in 2023.

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