For employees of small businesses (businesses with less than 15 employees), the right to disconnect will take effect on 26 August 2025. This right came into effect on 26 August 2024 for employees working for non-small businesses.
This means that outside their working hours, employees can refuse to monitor, read or respond to contact or attempted contact from:
unless the employee’s refusal is unreasonable.
An employee’s refusal to monitor, read or respond to contact or attempted contact will be unreasonable if the contact or attempted contact is required by law.
If the contact or attempted contact is not required by law, certain matters must be considered when deciding whether the employee’s refusal is unreasonable.
Rest assured we’ve got your back as we are going to cover off on all aspects of the right to disconnect, leave entitlements and flexible work arrangements in our FREE Industrial Relations webinar — Understanding Employee Entitlements: Leave, Flexibility & the Right to Disconnect on 20 August 2025, from 10:30am to 11:30am.
Don’t miss out — register now.
Need advice now?
If you are a South Australian Business Chamber member, contact our Business Advice Hotline on (08) 8300 0000 (select option 1). Our Business Advice Hotline is only a phone call away and can provide you with advice on any questions you may have, call us on (08) 8300 0000 (select option 1).
Our Workplace Consultants, who are experts in industrial relations, workers compensation and WHS, can assist you with support or representation you may need. Contact them today through our Business Advice Hotline.
