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In today’s digitized world, where hybrid working has become the norm and the lines between work and home are increasingly blurred, people find it harder to switch off. The expectation to be “always on” has become standard practice, leading to rising levels of burnout and a decline in mental wellbeing.
Since August 2024, Australia’s new “right to disconnect” legislation has offered a solution, allowing people to refuse work-related communications outside their regular working hours. This legal change reflects a growing global movement toward protecting people’s time, with many companies proactively updating their policies to include the right to disconnect, even without legal mandates.
However, not all regions are on board. In the US, a similar bill in California was recently shelved, leaving people at many companies still expected to be available at all times.
Yet embracing the right to disconnect isn’t just about compliance—it’s about staying competitive in today’s modern workforce. The question for HR leaders is clear: Will those not embracing the right to disconnect fall behind in attracting and retaining top talent?
Why is the right to disconnect relevant now?
During the pandemic, many countries saw a dramatic rise in remote work, with hybrid work arrangements becoming the
