Canada: Government Considers Right to Disconnect Legislation

Federal employees may soon have legal protections to “disconnect” from work, eliminating expectations that workers return emails, calls or texts during non-working hours. The policy recommendation supporting workers’ well-being follows months of Right to Disconnect Advisory Committee meetings involving representatives from employers and unions and feedback from the public.

This potential legislation would not apply to private-sector employers that fall under provincial regulation, but federal regulation may lead to provinces enacting their own right to disconnect laws. Penalties for noncompliance have not been addressed.

Personal privacy concerns have also been raised recently regarding the ability of employers to track employees throughout their workday on their personal devices. Although federal and provincial laws protect workers’ personal data, the federal government is preparing new legislation that will give workers more control in the process.

Takeaway: As companies increasingly adopt remote or hybrid work arrangements, a well-considered approach to communications, data, worker access and work expectations will be important. A talent solutions partner can provide insight that helps align policies and strategies to balance privacy and compliance needs with the demands of managing the increasingly digital environment of today’s workforce.

Canada: Government Considers Right to Disconnect Legislation

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