What Is the Infinite Work Day – And Why Are We Hearing About It Now?

The “infinite work day” refers to a growing phenomenon where the boundaries between work and personal life have become so blurred that the workday never really ends. Thanks to remote work, digital connectivity, and employer expectations, employees are finding it increasingly difficult to disconnect - physically, mentally, and emotionally - from their jobs.

It’s not uncommon to hear about people replying to emails at 11 PM, answering Slack messages during dinner, or taking Zoom calls while on holiday. While this level of availability might once have been praised as dedication, it’s now being recognised as a symptom of burnout and unsustainable work culture.

What’s Driving It?

Several trends are behind the rise of the infinite work day:

• Remote and hybrid work models mean your home is also your office.

• Mobile technology ensures you’re always reachable, even during personal time.

• Globalisation leads to working across time zones, which often stretches the workday.

• Workplace culture shifts push employees to prove productivity by being online more, not necessarily doing more.

The Human Cost

The inability to disconnect has been linked to:

• Rising levels of stress and anxiety

• Poor sleep and mental health

• Decreased productivity and creativity over time

• Strained personal relationships

• Increased burnout and attrition

Australia’s Response: The Right to Disconnect

In 2024, Australia became one of the latest countries to legislate the Right to Disconnect. This legal protection gives employees the right to ignore work-related communications outside of contracted hours, without fear of punishment or disciplinary action.

Under this legislation:

• Employers are discouraged from contacting staff after hours unless it’s urgent or agreed upon.

• Employees can set boundaries around their availability.

• There is room for exceptions based on roles and emergency circumstances, but the emphasis is on respect for personal time.

Why Are We Hearing About It Now?

The pandemic permanently reshaped how we work, and many of the flexible arrangements that once felt freeing have begun to feel like golden handcuffs. As we move into a post-pandemic era, employees are increasingly demanding work-life balance, mental wellbeing, and autonomy.

Movements like “quiet quitting,” the push for the 4-day workweek, and laws like Australia’s right to disconnect signal a cultural reckoning: people are no longer willing to trade their entire lives for a job.

The infinite work day is not just a trend - it’s a warning sign. As we become more digitally connected, the challenge isn’t just about access; it’s about boundaries. Employers that fail to acknowledge this risk burning out their workforce, while those who prioritise healthy disconnecting are more likely to retain talent, boost morale, and foster long-term productivity.

Work should fit into life - not the other way around.