Americans have always admired the French for their progressive policies, such as the world’s first “right to disconnect” law in 2017, which makes it illegal for bosses to email workers after hours. However, Americans have traditionally been tough on themselves and each other when it comes to work, viewing it as a fundamental aspect of their identity. Despite this, attitudes towards work are changing in the United States.
California recently introduced a “right to disconnect” bill similar to the one in France, marking a shift towards prioritizing work-life balance. Lawmakers are also discussing the possibility of a 32-hour workweek at the federal level. The pandemic has significantly impacted work habits, with many people now working from home at least part-time due to the toll commuting takes on mental and physical well-being.
The California legislation, introduced by State Assembly member Matt Haney, aims to prevent workers from being bombarded with work-related emails, texts, and calls outside of their designated work hours unless there is an emergency. The bill requires written agreements between employees and employers defining work hours, with penalties for bosses who repeatedly intrude on non-work time.
Despite the potential benefits of the bill, some within the tech industry, such as Mike Solana of Founders Fund, argue that it represents government overreach. The widespread use of smartphones and the blurring of boundaries between work and home life have made it challenging for individuals to disconnect from work. Research shows that a majority of workers respond to work-related messages outside of their normal hours.
According to Ashley Herd, founder of Manager Method, being constantly tethered to work is detrimental to both employee health and overall business productivity. She emphasizes the importance of allowing employees to recharge in order to achieve better results. Changing a work culture that values busyness at all hours will not be easy, but legislation like the Haney bill could be a step in the right direction.
While it may take a law to make a significant shift in the right to disconnect issue, workers currently have several factors working in their favor. A tight labor market gives employees more leverage to negotiate their pay, hours, and working conditions. Additionally, the threat of bosses’ bad behavior going viral on social media is a powerful deterrent. Awareness of work-life balance is increasing, and there is a growing trend towards prioritizing mental health and well-being in the workplace.
