California Employees Could Soon Have The ‘Right To Disconnect.’ Here’s What That Means.

Whatever your work hours are, it’s safe to say that you’re obligated to respond to emails and other requests from your boss. After all, that’s part of what you’re getting paid for.

But what about after you get home? A growing number of workers feel pressured to field communications from after work hours … but experts say it’s important to have a clear line between your work life and personal life.

That’s why lawmakers in California are pushing legislation that would provide a “right to disconnect” — the first such proposal of its kind in the United States.

Unpacking the early response

The policy was first proposed by Assemblyman Matt Haney, and, if successful, would require employers to specify “compensated” hours outside of which workers could ignore any attempts to discuss work issues.

And the notion is resonating with many Californians who say they’re being required to take care of a lot of business when they’re supposed to be on personal time.

Rob Hayes, who works remotely, said folks in his position are especially impacted by this work-life imbalance, explaining that he fears he would “be left behind or not be seen as someone who works hard” if he didn’t accept work communications outside of compensated hours.

“An epidemic of burnout”

Cal State East Bay professor Amira Barger favors the proposal, which has already been implemented in some form outside of the U.S.

She said workers are “dealing with an epidemic of burnout” and policies like the one advanced by Haney represent “a necessary adaptation as we look toward the future of work.”

Some business advocates like the state’s Chamber of Commerce say the policy is unnecessary and could even stifle employee flexibility, but Haney thinks it will “help our competitiveness as a state for industries, for highly skilled workers.”

Chris Agee April 4th, 2024

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