Working in Australia

Australian workplaces will feel familiar to most British people, but more informal and more direct. The law also gives you some rights the UK doesn’t, such as the right to ignore work messages out of hours.

Hours and leave

The 38 hours and 4 weeks come from the National Employment Standards, the minimum rights that apply to almost every employee. Your employer can ask you to work extra hours, but you can refuse if they are unreasonable. See Your rights at work for more.

Directness and informality

• Everyone uses first names, including the boss
• People say what they mean. A quick “no, that won’t work” isn’t rude, and long, careful hedging can come across as unclear
• Self-promotion goes down badly. Let your work and your team speak for you
• Humour is dry and teasing, and often aimed at the newcomer. Laughing along helps
• Friday drinks and team barbecues are common, but not compulsory

The right to disconnect

Australian law gives employees the right to refuse to monitor, read or reply to work contact (calls, emails, texts, messages) outside working hours, unless refusing is unreasonable. It has applied to larger employers since 26 August 2024, and to small businesses (fewer than 15 employees) since 26 August 2025. Whether refusing is unreasonable depends on:

• why you are being contacted, and how
• whether you are paid extra to be available, for example an on-call allowance
• your role and how senior you are
• your personal circumstances, such as caring for family

If you are senior or paid to be on call, expect more contact. The UK has no equivalent law.

Flexible and hybrid work

Hybrid working (some days at home, some in the office) is common in office jobs, but practice varies by employer. Ask about it at interview. Once you have worked for the same employer for 12 months, certain employees, such as some parents and carers, have a legal right to ask for flexible arrangements, like different hours or working from home. The employer can only refuse on reasonable business grounds.

Public holidays

Each state sets its own. All have New Year’s Day, Australia Day (26 January), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day (25 April), Christmas Day and a holiday on 26 December. Others vary. Some dates in 2026:

You have the right to be absent on a public holiday. If you are asked to work and agree, you usually get extra pay under your award or agreement.

The commute

Australian cities sprawl. Cheaper housing is often far from the centre, and outside the inner suburbs many people drive. Before you choose where to live, try the journey at rush hour. See Choosing a city.