Do Business Owners Deserve the Right to Disconnect Too?

When the spotlight is shone on employee rights, which it certainly has been recently, especially around workplace flexibility and boundaries…it’s easy to forget there’s another side to the coin: the employers themselves.

With Australia's right to disconnect laws now expanded to include small businesses, it’s time to ask a critical question. Do business owners have the right to disconnect too?

The Law Says Maybe, But That’s Not the Whole Story

As of August 26, 2025, Australia's Fair Work legislation extends the right to disconnect to small businesses. In essence, employees now have the legal right to ignore after hours contact that’s deemed unreasonable. But what does this mean if you're the one who owns the business?

If you're technically an employee of your own company, drawing a wage, on the books, then yes, you may fall under the protection of this law. However, let’s be honest: most business owners won’t be suing themselves over a late night email or answering a call at 9 PM. Legal rights aside, the real question is whether it's time for business owners to set their own boundaries, and honour them.

Wearing Busyness Like a Badge of Honour

Running a business can feel like a round-the-clock job. Phones ping during dinner, emails roll in before sunrise, and there's a constant pull to “just quickly check in.” Many of us have worn this perpetual hustle like a badge of honour, equating endless availability with dedication.

But is it sustainable?

The answer, as many have discovered the hard way, is no. Burnout doesn’t discriminate, it catches up with owners and employees alike. There comes a point where being perpetually “on” begins to erode creativity, decision-making, and even relationships.

Boundaries Start at the Top

If you’re already discussing the right to disconnect with your team, this is the perfect time to lead by example. Let your team know your own availability. Tell them when you expect not to be contacted, and what counts as a true emergency. Define what reasonable contact looks like. This isn’t just about creating structure for others; it’s about creating space for yourself.

And if you send emails at 5 AM because you're an early bird? Make it clear that you're not expecting a reply until business hours. Protecting your time doesn’t mean sacrificing productivity; it means working in alignment with your own rhythms.

The Slippery Slope of Fading Boundaries

Boundaries aren’t set-and-forget. They erode slowly. One exception becomes a pattern. One late night reply sets a precedent. Before long, you're back in the cycle of overextension.

That’s why it’s worth treating these new laws as more than legal guidelines, they’re a nudge to reassess how you run your business. What time do you want to be offline? What activities outside of work help you recharge? Use this as a circuit breaker to build or reinforce those rituals.

Self-Care Is Not Selfish

The idea that prioritising rest is indulgent still runs deep. But self-care is not a luxury, it’s a requirement. You simply cannot lead effectively if you’re constantly depleted. Whether it’s a daily walk, dinner with your family, time in the garden, or an hour with a good book, you need space away from the business.

Too many business owners wait until burnout forces them to slow down. The smarter (and kinder) approach is to schedule recovery as a regular, non-negotiable part of your routine.

Share It With Your Team

Openness breeds respect. If you’re planning to reset your boundaries, say so. Let your team know your goals, whether it's logging off by 6 PM or taking a proper lunch break. This sets the tone for the culture you're building.

When people see their leader protecting their own energy, it gives them permission to do the same.

You might be surprised how positively your team responds to this honesty. It can deepen trust and improve communication.

Reconnect With What Refuels You

Ultimately, this isn’t just about protecting your inbox. It’s about protecting your energy. Business owners are often deeply passionate, driven individuals, but no one can sustain their best work without intentional recovery. Recognise the signs of burnout before it hits. Be honest about when you're not coping. And most importantly, take action before you're forced to.

If it’s been a while since you’ve felt truly recharged, maybe it’s time to pause and ask: What do I need to do to reset?

A Final Thought

Yes, the law might give you the right to disconnect, but even more importantly, you have the responsibility to look after yourself. Boundaries aren’t just for employees. As a business owner, setting them could be the single most powerful step you take to becoming a better leader.

An Invitation

If you’d like to connect with other business owners, leaders and managers, I’d love for you to join us inside our free Facebook Group where you can connect with other like minded business owners, leaders and managers to discuss all things HR: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrsupportaustralia