The Right to Disconnect: What Small Business Employers Need to Know

A Caday Workplace Relations Guide

Australia’s workplace laws continue to evolve, and one of the most significant recent changes is the introduction of the right to disconnect. This reform is designed to support healthier work–life boundaries and reduce the expectation of being “always on.”

The right has applied to employees of non‑small business employers since 26 August 2024, and from 26 August 2025, it extends to employees of small business employers as well.

🔍 What Is the Right to Disconnect?

The right to disconnect gives employees the ability to refuse to monitor, read, or respond to contact — or attempted contact — outside their working hours, unless doing so would be unreasonable.

This includes contact from:

• Employers

• Colleagues

• Clients or other third parties

The intent is simple: employees should be able to enjoy personal time without the pressure of after‑hours work communication.

📅 When Does It Apply?

• 26 August 2024 — Employees of non‑small business employers

• 26 August 2025 — Employees of small business employers

This staged rollout ensures all Australian employees eventually receive the same protections.

🧭 What Counts as “Unreasonable” Refusal?

While employees generally have the right to disconnect, there are circumstances where refusing contact may be considered unreasonable. Examples may include:

• Genuine emergencies

• Critical operational issues

• Pre‑agreed flexible arrangements

• Situations where the employee is being compensated for availability

The law aims to balance employee wellbeing with legitimate business needs.

🏢 What This Means for Small Business Employers

For small business employers, this change is an opportunity to:

• Set clear expectations around communication

• Review after‑hours contact practices

• Update policies and employment contracts

• Support a culture that respects personal time

Clear boundaries help reduce burnout, improve retention, and strengthen workplace culture.

✔️ Preparing Your Business

Caday Workplace Relations can help you:

• Train managers on appropriate after‑hours communication

• Reviewing rostering and workload management

• Design a Right to Disconnect policy