A Right to Disconnect Policy is a written policy in which an organization outlines general guidelines around working hours. This article will describe what a right to disconnect policy might include and why it can be helpful for organizations. By the end of the article, readers will have a better understanding of what a right to disconnect entails and ways to encourage employees to detach from work after hours.

What is a Right to Disconnect Policy?

The right to disconnect can be defined as the workers’ ability to refrain from engaging in work-related activities, including:

• Emails


• Phone calls


• Video calls


• Text messages

These and other job-related activities may be limited during after-work hours if an organization adopts a right to disconnect policy. While these policies are not yet widely implemented, some governments have introduced laws relating to workers’ rights to disconnect, and organizations may consider reviewing what such policies could include.

Right to Disconnect Laws in Ontario

At the end of 2021, the Ontario government introduced legislation related to the right to disconnect, which became effective in 2022. The law applies to organizations with more than 25 employees and includes provisions addressing how policies on disconnecting from work may be developed and shared with employees. Organizations may provide employees with information about these policies, including guidance on the intended purpose and implementation.

This law reflects a broader international trend, with countries such as Spain, Italy, and Germany passing legislation around the right to disconnect. These policies generally aim to support workers in establishing boundaries between work and personal time.

Why is the Right to Disconnect Important?

The pandemic blurred the line between home life and work, leading many employees to feel accessible almost 24/7. This made it harder for people to disengage from work and created increased stress and burnout, affecting productivity and job satisfaction.

When employees experience burnout or disengagement, work quality and motivation may decline. Implementing guidelines around disconnecting from work can help organizations foster employee well-being and maintain overall productivity.

Related article: 10 Company Policies to Consider for Your Business

How to Encourage Employees to Disconnect

Beyond formal policies, organizations can consider the following strategies to support employees in disconnecting from work:

• Offer flexibility: Allow employees to choose working hours or whether to work remotely or in the office. Flexible arrangements can help employees find routines that maximize productivity and job satisfaction.


• Lead by example: Managers can model disconnecting behaviors, such as avoiding late-night emails or respecting breaks, which encourages employees to follow suit.


• Time off policies: Flexible time off policies, including personal or vacation days, can allow employees to take needed breaks without using standard vacation time, supporting work-life balance.


• Set expectations and encourage boundaries: Encourage employees to prioritize tasks and communicate boundaries for non-urgent communications during off hours.


• Engage in team building: Strengthening team support networks helps employees feel less pressure to be constantly available and fosters collaboration.

By implementing these practices, organizations can create an environment where employees feel empowered to disconnect without judgment. Encouraging breaks from work can enhance employee well-being and productivity.

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