New workplace rights apply from 26 August 2025 for small business employers and their employees. These include:
- The Right to Disconnect
- New casual employment conversion options
Understanding these workplace changes for small Business, and knowing what steps to take, will help you stay compliant and support your team effectively.
Right to Disconnect Now Applies to Small Business Employees
From 26 August 2025, employees in small businesses will have the Right to Disconnect. This means they can refuse to monitor, read, or respond to work-related messages or calls outside their scheduled hours, unless it would be unreasonable not to.
This applies to contact from:
- Employers
- Clients or third parties
Larger businesses have followed this rule since 26 August 2024, now it’s time for small businesses to catch up.
What’s considered “unreasonable” to ignore?
Factors to consider include:
- How urgent the contact is
- The employee’s role and responsibilities
- Whether the employee is paid to be on call
- The time of day the contact is made
- The employee’s personal circumstances
Start a conversation with your team about after-hours expectations. Use official guidance to set clear boundaries.
Learn more: Right to Disconnect – Fair Work Ombudsman
Casual Conversion: New Employee Choice Pathway
Also from 26 August 2025, casual employees in small businesses may be able to request permanent employment (full-time or part-time) through the employee choice pathway.
Here’s how it works:
- The employee submits a written request to convert to permanent employment.
- The employer must respond in line with new rules.
- Free templates and guides are available to help both sides.
This change gives casual workers more job security and flexibility, while providing employers with clear processes to follow.
Learn more: Becoming a Permanent Employee – Fair Work Ombudsman
Resources to Help You Navigate Workplace Changes for Small Business
The Fair Work Ombudsman offers practical tools to help you understand and implement these changes:
On the Right to Disconnect page you’ll find:
- A breakdown of the rules
- Short videos for small business owners
- Real-world examples by industry
- Tips for managing after-hours contact
- Guidance on handling disputes
On the Becoming a Permanent Employee page you’ll find:
- Step-by-step info on the employee choice pathway
- Free notice templates
- Clear eligibility and compliance guidance
Stay Informed
Stay on top of Workplace Changes for Small Business by subscribing to updates and following the Fair Work Ombudsman:
- Subscribe to Fair Work emails
- Follow Fair Work on Facebook, X/Twitter, and LinkedIn
- Share this post with other business owners or employees
These workplace changes for small businesses aim to create healthier, more balanced workplaces while maintaining flexibility for both employers and employees. By preparing now, small businesses can confidently meet their new obligations.
Need help or have questions? Contact us—we’re here to support you every step of the way.