| Update Applicable to: | Effective date |
| All employers regardless of size and sector | See details below |
What happened?
On May 16, 2024, the “Right to Disconnect” bill, AB 2751, in California was put on hold by the California State Assembly Committee on Appropriations. This implies that the bill has essentially been unsuccessful for the rest of the legislative session of 2023-2024 in California.
What are the details?
Under the bill, employers would have had to create policies that allowed workers to ignore communications sent by their employers during their off hours. For additional information, please visit our previous update below:
Despite the bill’s status, it is important to note that the situation could change, and it is always a good idea to check the latest updates from reliable sources. If approved, employers would have to create a “Right to Disconnect Policy.,” meaning that employers are not yet fully out of the water.
Business Considerations
- Employers should stay informed and monitor the latest developments regarding the bill. Even though it is currently shelved, it could be reintroduced, or similar legislation could be proposed in the future.
- Employers should review their policies to consider whether current policies on employee communication during non-working hours are fair and respectful of employees’ personal time.
- Employers should set clear expectations if employees are expected to be available outside of their regular working hours, communicating it clearly and coming to an agreement, which should be documented and signed by all parties.
- Employers should respect personal boundaries, encouraging a culture that respects personal time and avoid sending non-urgent communications outside of working hours.
- Employers should promote a healthy work-life balance and foster an environment that supports a balance between work and personal life. This can lead to increased employee satisfaction and productivity.
Source References
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