The Right to Disconnect – What Small Business Owners Need to Know
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From 26 August 2025, the Right to Disconnect laws will extend to small business employers (those with fewer than 15 employees). This means employees will have the right to refuse to monitor, read, or respond to work contact outside their agreed hours — unless doing so is reasonable.
This is a significant change for small businesses, and getting it right matters. Done well, it protects employee wellbeing, manages fatigue risks, and builds a culture of trust. Mismanaged, however, it can create confusion, inconsistency, and unnecessary workplace conflict.
To help employers prepare, Fair Work Australia has developed a series of practical resources, including short videos that explain:
- An overview of the new rules for small business.
- Tips on how to have constructive conversations with employees about the right to disconnect.
- Practical steps to reduce the risk of disputes.
- A free webinar for business owners to ask questions and hear practical advice.
Watch the video below for an introduction to the new rules and how they apply to small businesses.
At Explore Potential, we know small business owners are already wearing many hats. We can help you:
- Develop clear policies that reflect the new right to disconnect.
- Train managers on how to communicate expectations effectively.
- Embed practices that balance compliance with strong workplace culture.
Change doesn’t need to be complicated — with the right support, it can be a chance to strengthen the way your team works together.