Federal “Right to Disconnect” legislation, passed in 2024, makes explicit that all employees have the right to refuse contact from their employer or a third party (such as a student or a parent) outside of their normal working hours, unless that refusal is unreasonable. This legislation applies to school staff, just like any other employees.
Respecting the ‘right to disconnect’
This doesn’t mean you can’t communicate with your school, but you may need to take it into consideration when communicating with teachers and other school staff. For example, if you’re at work during school hours, you may prefer to use email to communicate. You can email outside of work hours when you’re able, and the teacher can respond during their working hours. You could add a footer message to make clear that you’re not expecting an instant response. At PV we use the following message: “I’m sending this message now because this time suits me, and I encourage you to read, respond or action this email at a time that best works for you.”
Parents are busy too
The Department of Education acknowledges that parents are busy people too – and they probably do respond and draft communications to school staff after hours.
If you feel the conversation needs to be over the phone, you may need to establish with the school what is a suitable time to speak with the school staff member.
For more information about the “Right to Disconnect”, see the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
