THE RIGHT TO DISCONNECT: ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF U.S. LABOUR POLICIES IN LIMITING AFTER-HOURS WORK COMMUNICATION

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of current U.S. labour policies in reducing after-hours work communication among employees. The proliferation of digital communication technologies has increasingly blurred the boundaries between work and personal life, contributing to heightened stress, burnout, and diminished well-being. The study sought to identify the prevalence of after-hours communication among employees across selected U.S. sectors, to evaluate its effects on employee health and work–life balance, and to assess the efficacy of existing labour policies and the “Right to Disconnect.” A nationwide survey was administered to employees in multiple industries to gauge their experiences with after-hours communication and their perceptions of the effectiveness of current legal frameworks. Findings revealed that after-hours communication remains widespread, with 78.5% of respondents reporting contact at least once a week and 45.7% experiencing daily contact. Additionally, 85.1% reported work–life conflict, 72.8% experienced difficulty with psychological detachment, and 58.7% reported negative effects on sleep quality. Although laws and policies define standard working hours and durations, most employees were unaware of these protections, and implementation was inconsistent. The study recommends more robust enforcement of existing regulations and improved awareness campaigns to ensure employees are empowered to disengage from work communication outside regular hours.