Why the right to disconnect matters for employee wellbeing in the legal sector

In the demanding legal sector, where long hours and client expectations often blur boundaries between work and personal time, the “right to disconnect” is more than a workplace policy—it’s set to become a legal requirement. Starting 26 August 2025, businesses in Australia must comply with new legislation granting employees the right to disengage from work communications outside of designated hours. For legal firms, this law will attract heavy regulatory scrutiny due to the sector’s high-pressure nature.

Safetrac’s expertise in compliance training and policy development equips legal firms to meet these new obligations effectively, protecting employee wellbeing while ensuring compliance with the law. Preparing now is critical, both to avoid penalties and to foster a healthier, more productive workplace.

Understanding the right to disconnect legislation

The upcoming law aims to protect employees from the damaging effects of overwork and constant connectivity. Legal firms will be required to implement measures that respect employees’ right to disengage from work communications—such as emails, calls, or messages—outside of agreed working hours.

For the legal sector, where long hours are the norm, complying with this legislation will involve more than basic adherence. Firms must proactively address the unique challenges of their fast-paced environment, balancing client demands with their obligations under the law.

A 2023 study by the International Bar Association highlighted that over 70% of legal professionals reported high stress due to excessive working hours, underscoring the need for firm-level strategies to address work-life balance.

Safetrac supports legal firms in navigating these complexities by offering training and tools to implement the right to disconnect in line with compliance best practices.

The impact of overwork on legal professionals

Burnout and mental health concerns

Overwork is a significant driver of mental health challenges in the legal industry. Constant connectivity—combined with high client demands and tight deadlines—creates an “always-on” environment, leaving employees perpetually stressed and exhausted.

The right-to-disconnect legislation will require firms to enforce boundaries that allow employees to recharge effectively. By reducing after-hours communications, firms can help lower stress levels, prevent burnout, and promote a culture of mental wellness.

Safetrac’s compliance training equips managers and teams with the knowledge to embed these boundaries within their practices, ensuring compliance while safeguarding employee wellbeing.

How lack of work-life balance affects productivity

Employee well-being directly affects work quality. Without proper work-life balance, legal professionals are at greater risk of fatigue, reduced focus, and errors—all of which can negatively impact productivity.

Studies show that employees who have time to unwind are 31% more productive when they return to work, according to a 2023 report by Deloitte. For the legal sector, this is especially important given the detail-oriented nature of the work.

Safetrac’s tailored compliance solutions help firms integrate the right to disconnect into daily operations, reducing burnout risks while supporting high work standards and regulatory compliance.

How the right to disconnect supports compliance and wellbeing

Creating a culture that values work-life balance

Complying with the right to disconnect legislation will require legal firms to make work-life balance a priority across all levels of the organisation. Senior leaders and managers must actively support and model these boundaries, setting clear expectations and leading by example.

Safetrac assists legal firms in establishing these cultural shifts through comprehensive compliance training. By embedding the right to disconnect into firm-wide compliance frameworks, organisations can ensure that personal time is respected, unnecessary after-hours communication is minimised, and employee wellbeing is prioritised.

Practical steps for legal firms to comply with the legislation

Safetrac offers structured guidance to help legal firms align with the right to disconnect legislation. Practical steps include:

1. Define clear boundaries:

Establish specific times when employees are not expected to respond to communications, except in emergencies. Safetrac’s solutions help firms create clear, documented guidelines that prevent miscommunication and ensure everyone understands their obligations.

2. Leverage technology to enforce boundaries:

Notifications and after-hours emails can be a significant challenge. Tools like Microsoft Teams’ “Quiet Hours,” Outlook’s scheduled email delivery, and mobile “Do Not Disturb” settings can help employees manage boundaries while staying responsive to critical matters. Safetrac’s expertise ensures these tools align with compliance requirements.

3. Prepare for urgent situations:

While emergencies may require after-hours work, Safetrac advises firms to create fair compensation policies or offer time off in lieu for such instances. This ensures compliance with the law while maintaining a commitment to work-life balance.

4. Train leaders to model compliance:

Through Safetrac’s training programs, managers learn to respect non-working hours and actively promote balance. Leadership adherence to these practices reinforces compliance and establishes a supportive, sustainable work environment.

Why legal firms must act now

The right-to-disconnect legislation goes into effect on 26 August 2025, leaving firms limited time to prepare. For the legal sector, where long hours and after-hours communication are deeply ingrained, early action will be essential to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

Firms that delay risk operational disruption, reputational damage, and increased scrutiny from regulators. Conversely, those who act now will:

• Protect employee wellbeing: Reducing after-hours work helps prevent burnout and improves mental health.
• Enhance employee retention: Staff are more likely to stay with firms that respect their time and well-being.
• Strengthen reputations: Firms demonstrating compliance and prioritising work-life balance position themselves as leaders in a competitive sector.

How Safetrac supports legal firms with compliance

Safetrac’s award-winning compliance solutions are designed to help legal firms prepare for and comply with the right to disconnect legislation. Our ISO 27001-certified compliance platform enables firms to:

• Set and manage after-hours communication policies.
• Track adherence to guidelines with built-in reporting tools.
• Deliver tailored training to educate employees and leaders about their responsibilities.

Safetrac’s expertise ensures that legal firms can align with the law while fostering a culture of balance and well-being. Our flexible, customisable solutions reflect your firm’s unique needs and goals, providing a seamless pathway to compliance.

Get ahead of the legislation today

Don’t wait until 2025 to act. Contact Safetrac today to learn how our compliance expertise can help your legal firm prepare for the right-to-disconnect legislation. Together, we’ll protect employee well-being, ensure compliance, and position your firm for long-term success.