USA 
United Kingdom
In the city of San Francisco, Assemblyman Matt Haney has introduced a bill that could redefine the relationship between employees and their employers - the "right to disconnect”.
Assembly Bill 2751 seeks to establish a clear boundary between work life and personal time.
If passed, it would grant employees the legal right to ignore non-emergency work communications outside of designated working hours, with only limited exceptions for emergencies and last-minute schedule changes.
For many, this bill represents a long-awaited reprieve from the relentless grip of technology that has encroached upon every aspect of daily life.
No longer would they be tethered to their smartphones, obliged to respond to emails and calls from their bosses long after the workday has ended.
"This is the consequence of a technology that has left us 24/7 available," asserts Assemblyman Haney. "It shouldn't leave us 24/7 working."
The proposed law has ignited fervent discussions across the state, drawing attention not only from employees seeking relief but also from employers grappling with the potential ramifications.
Industries accustomed to round-the-clock availability, such as client-service sectors, may need to re-evaluate their practices and negotiate agreements with their workers regarding nonworking hours.
If enacted, California would become the first state in the nation to enshrine the "right to disconnect" into law, joining a select group of countries that have already taken this progressive step.
Thirteen nations, including France, Italy, and Spain, have implemented similar measures, recognizing the importance of safeguarding employees' well-being in an increasingly digitized world.
Yet, as the bill makes its way through the legislative process, its fate remains uncertain.
While supporters of the bill eagerly anticipate its passage, opponents voice concerns about its potential impact on business operations and flexibility.
Nevertheless, for countless Californian workers weary of the ceaseless demands of the modern workplace, the "right to disconnect" represents the promise of reclaiming respite outside of the working day.
davidclarks