38% of Australians contacted outside work hours every week, ADP survey finds

Despite Australia's right to disconnect laws, many employees are still receiving work-related communications outside their contracted hours, according to new research from ADP.

The survey found that 38% of working Australians are contacted outside their normal working hours at least once a week. Another 27% said they receive work-related contact once or twice a month, highlighting the continued challenge of separating work from personal time.

The findings come as organisations across Australia continue to adapt to changing expectations around flexibility, availability and work-life balance in increasingly digital workplaces.

Struggling to switch off

The research suggests that many employees find it difficult to fully disconnect from work. One in five Australians (21%) said they are unable to switch off from work altogether.

Australia's right to disconnect laws, introduced in 2024, give eligible employees the right to reasonably refuse to monitor, read or respond to work-related contact from employers or third parties outside their working hours. The legislation has sparked broader discussions around workplace expectations, particularly as hybrid and remote working arrangements become more common.

However, the survey indicates that after-hours communication remains a regular part of working life for many Australians.

Impact on wellbeing

The effects appear to extend beyond the workplace.

More than a quarter of respondents (27%) said work-related stress had negatively affected their personal relationships over the past year. Meanwhile, 25% reported struggling to prioritise their health and wellbeing because of work commitments.

The findings highlight growing concerns around employee wellbeing and the potential consequences of an always-connected work culture.

Call for balance

Judy Barnett, Operations Director, ADP said, “Technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected with our colleagues, but these results show that connection can come at a cost.”

She added, “The introduction of the Right to Disconnect laws in Australia has prompted an important national conversation in this space. For Australian organisations, this is an opportunity to reset expectations with their employees and build cultures where work-life balance is truly respected and encouraged.”

Barnett said employers have an opportunity to use workforce data and technology to better manage workloads and support employee wellbeing.

Survey details

The research was conducted online by independent consumer research agency Antenna on behalf of ADP. The survey polled 1,019 Australians between 28 and 31 January 2026, with results weighted to reflect national demographics based on the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census.