What is the ‘Right to Disconnect’ law in California? What countries have this legislation?

The constant ping of emails and the pressure to be available 24/7 are realities for many workers today, especially since the work from home revolution during the pandemic. This blurred line between work and personal life can lead to stress, burnout, and a diminished sense of well-being.

To address this growing concern, California’s Assembly Bill 2751, also known as the “Right to Disconnect” bill, is making waves.

What is the Right to Disconnect Bill?

Assembly Bill 2751, authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney, proposes to establish a legal right for California employees to disconnect from work communications outside of their designated working hours. This means employees wouldn’t be obligated to respond to emails, calls, or texts from their employers after hours, unless pre-arranged for emergencies or scheduling purposes.

The bill would require employers to develop a company-wide policy outlining these expectations. This policy would need to clearly define work hours and how after-hours communication will be handled. The aim is to foster a culture of respect for employees’ personal time and promote a healthier work-life balance.

Proponents of the bill argue that it would improve employee well-being, leading to increased productivity and reduced stress. However, some businesses worry about potential disruptions to operations and the ability to respond to urgent situations after hours.

The bill also raises questions about enforcement and potential loopholes. How would after-hours communication be defined? Could employers find ways to pressure employees into working outside their designated hours? These are details that will need to be carefully considered as the bill progresses through the legislature.

Inspiration from abroad

California wouldn’t be breaking new ground. France became the first country to implement a Right to Disconnect law in 2017. Since then, multiple nations have followed suit.

These laws vary in detail, but their core principle remains the same – to protect employees’ right to disconnect and recharge outside of working hours.