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Roundup: Employees’ right to disconnect 

  • Contributor
    Stephanie Rosseau
    Principal, Law & Policy Group, Marsh People and Investments
  • Contributor
    Fiona Webster
    Principal, Law & Policy Group, Marsh People and Investments
September 18, 2026

In recent years, several countries have enacted legislation requiring employers to allow employees the ”right to disconnect” — or to ”switch off” from work-related electronic communications (such as emails) outside of their normal working hours. This responds to the advances in communication technologies, and especially the use of smartphones and other digital devices that could result in employees being “‘on call” and constantly accessible. The objective is to promote work-life balance and protect employees' well-being and health.

To help employers consider the issues associated with the right to disconnect, this roundup provides links to general information about countries’ legislative/regulatory governance initiatives and trends. Sources include organizations, government websites, third-party  resources and news articles. The aggregated content in each section is organized in reverse chronological order and is by no means comprehensive. It also does not necessarily reflect Mercer’s or the authors’ point of view on the subject.

Download the print-friendly PDF to read the full GRIST.

About the author(s)
Stephanie Rosseau
Fiona Webster

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