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Australia -

In 2024, Australians got permission to ignore their bosses when they aren't working. The law doesn't explicitly prohibit employers from calling or messaging employees, but it does protect employees who refuse to reply.

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Though the law was passed in February, it took effect in August 2024 for most workers. It will apply to small businesses of fewer than 15 people starting in August 2025.

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The law isn't a free pass for all though. Depending on the "seniority of the employee, their personal circumstances (including caregiving responsibilities), the reason for the contact, and how much disruption it causes them," non-response can be considered unreasonable.

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France -

In 2017, France paved the way by implementing the right to disconnect law. At the time, companies with more than 50 employees had to establish times when employees were not expected to respond to work-related communications.

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The French Ministry of Labor stated that all of the rules regarding work time and the right to disconnect applied equally to telework as they did to a traditional model.

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Thanks to France, other countries have implemented this right to disconnect law, and others, such as the UK, are currently considering it.

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Argentina -

In April of 2021, a new law in Argentina was passed that gave remote workers the right to disconnect. The law established limits on the maximum work hours for remote workers and laid out that the employee has the right to disconnect outside of working hours and during their time off.

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Argentina -

An additional benefit was established for employees who are in charge of providing for children under 13 years of age, the handicapped, or elderly who live with the employee and need special care.

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Argentina -

These employees can ask for compatible working hours or for an interruption in work to assist their in-need family.

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Greece -

Under Greece's law 4808/2021, teleworkers have the right to disconnect to ensure they can avoid work-related communications outside normal hours and during vacations.

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Greece -

The same law says that employers must cover the costs associated with telework, including providing and maintaining necessary equipment, offering technical support, and compensating employees for using their homes for work.

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Greece -

The typical employment law in Greece says that standard working hours per week are 40 hours, with a maximum of eight hours per day. This framework ensures employees a fair and balanced work schedule, and allows employers to adjust accordingly to meet business needs.

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Ireland -

In 2018, Ireland put into action the right to disconnect law. It says employees should take a break from communication associated with work when outside working hours.

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Ireland -

According to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, there are three parts to the right to disconnect code. They are: "The right of an employee to not have to routinely perform work outside their normal working hours. The right not to be penalized for disconnecting. The duty to respect another person’s right to disconnect."

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Italy -

Italians often see the right to disconnect as a basic work right that sets boundaries between work and personal life. They also adopted the EU Working Time Directive where working hours, rest periods, and annual leave all have limits.

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Italy -

The right to disconnect is founded on three principles. The first is respect for working time and that employees should be able to disconnect on evenings, weekends, and vacation days. Secondly, well-being should be preserved. Finally, the knowledge that it enhances productivity.

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Italy -

The right to disconnect has numerous benefits in Italy. From improved work-life balance to reduced burnout and even to increased job satisfaction, the right to disconnect is a game changer.

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Mexico -

On January 12, 2021, Mexico officially recognized the right to disconnect for teleworkers via an amendment to the Federal Labor Law.

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This amendment redefined teleworking regulations and established clear distinctions between telework and off-site work. The legislation also gave teleworkers the right to disconnect from digital communications outside of working hours and during times of leave.

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It also prohibited employers from requiring responses to off-hour communications. The Ministry of Labor and Welfare is tasked with ensuring compliance and can fine violators.

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Portugal -

Portugal introduced the right to disconnect law in 2020. Specifically, companies with 10 employees or more are not allowed to contact their workers outside of work hours.

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Portugal -

An employer in Portugal who breaks the law can face serious repercussions. Employees can seek an injunction to prevent future contact during rest periods or, in the worst case, sue for breach of contract or claim compensation.

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Portugal -

Additionally, employers may also face fines from the Ministry of Labor. A company that doesn't comply could pay as much as €9,690 (over US$10,700) in fines.

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Belgium -

In 2018, Belgium applied the right to disconnect to its government sector. Then, in April 2023, the law became more general and said that Belgian employers with 20 or more employees must include the right to disconnect in bargaining agreements or rules for work.

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Belgium -

Exclusions from the right to disconnect remain an issue in Belgium. In fact, certain jobs, such as those in emergency services or high-responsibility roles, are exempt, and existing agreements in sectors like aviation also limit the scope of the law.

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Additionally, companies with fewer than 20 employees are not covered under the law. Overall, the law lacks clarity on enforcement and sanctions for non-compliance, though trade unions are available to support employees experiencing issues with their right to disconnect.

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Spain -

In 2021, Spain introduced the right to disconnect law. This law gives employees the right to switch off devices and covers holidays, days off, maternity or paternity leave, etc.

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The right to disconnect begins from the moment the employee finishes the working day until the time the next working day starts.

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Thanks to the law, Spanish companies have to create internal policies that define how they are going to implement the right to switch off devices. Also, there must be “training and awareness” actions to prevent employees from suffering digital fatigue.

Sources: (International Organisation of Employers) (Ogletree Deakins) (The Week) (Loyens Loeff) (Politico) (The Guardian)

See also: The greatest human rights issues facing future generations

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