Article: Why an unwritten right to disconnect rule rewards employees

As with many social and cultural transformations, the “right to disconnect” is advancing faster in reality than in law. There is a growing consensus that work-life balance is not only fair and necessary but also productive. The old concept of spending as many hours as possible in the office and then taking work home with you to “earn points” or be a better employee no longer works for the new ways of working and, above all, for the new generations. Thus, little by little, more and more countries are beginning to legislate on the right to disconnect.

The Middle East doesn't escape the trend. At their own pace, it is beginning to implement measures that favour work-life balance and separate work life from personal and family time and space.

What is 'Right to Disconnect' workplace rule?

While labour laws in many countries do not explicitly mandate this right, a cultural shift toward work-life balance is increasingly evident. The Middle East, in particular, has embraced initiatives such as reduced work hours, shorter workweeks, and an unspoken understanding that employees should not be disturbed outside working hours. These measures, along with growing government-backed policies, are redefining the future of work in the region.

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of the four-day workweek. The Emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) led the way in 2022 by adopting a Monday-to-Thursday work schedule for government employees. This transition aimed to improve employee well-being, productivity, and overall quality of life.

While Sharjah was the first to implement this policy on a large scale, discussions around work-hour reductions continue across the UAE and beyond. Similar experiments are underway in cities like Tokyo and Valencia, Spain, where policymakers are testing ways to make a permanent long weekend feasible.

Meanwhile, countries such as Belgium and the UAE have enacted legislative changes to support reduced workweeks for select employees, signaling a growing commitment to work-life balance.

Is the Middle East shifting toward a workplace with a 'Right to Disconnect' rule?

Although the Middle East does not have explicit "right to disconnect" laws, there is a growing cultural understanding that employees should be free from work-related communication beyond their designated hours. In many workplaces, it is increasingly common for employers to discourage after-hours emails or calls unless they are essential.

This workplace ethic is particularly crucial in a region like the UAE, where expatriates often face demanding work schedules and high expectations. While the UAE still ranks among the countries with the highest average weekly working hours, new labor laws are gradually shifting the paradigm.

For instance, the UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 stipulates that private-sector employees cannot be required to work beyond their contractual hours unless they provide written consent.

Furthermore, during the holy month of Ramadan, working hours are automatically reduced by two hours per day, reflecting a broader respect for personal and religious commitments. Dubai has also taken steps towards work-life balance with its "Our Flexible Summer" initiative, which shortens workdays and suspends Friday work for government employees during peak summer months.

What are some barriers to fostering such a culture?

Despite the progress, challenges persist in fully implementing the right to disconnect. One major obstacle is the region’s reliance on expatriate workers, who often feel pressured to exceed standard working hours to secure their jobs. Additionally, in industries such as finance, hospitality, and technology, employees frequently engage in after-hours work to meet international business demands. This highlights the need for clear policies that protect workers while maintaining economic competitiveness.

Another challenge is the growing "always-on" culture fueled by digital tools and remote work. Studies indicate that excessive connectivity can lead to increased stress, burnout, and mental health issues.

Countries like France and Spain have successfully legislated the right to disconnect, ensuring that employees are not penalized for refusing after-hours work communication. As more nations recognise the importance of this right, the Middle East may follow suit with formal regulations that reinforce existing cultural norms.

Why is the 'Right to Disconnect' rule needed in the workplace?

An unwritten Right to Disconnect rule can be a powerful way to reward employees by fostering a healthier work environment and recognising their need for personal time. Here’s why it works

Improved Mental Health: Employees with clear work-life boundaries experience lower stress levels, reduced burnout, and enhanced overall well-being.
Increased Productivity: Workers who can fully disengage from work outside office hours tend to be more focused and efficient during their designated working hours.
Better Work Relationships: Encouraging a culture of disconnection fosters respect among colleagues, reducing unrealistic expectations and unnecessary stress.

To foster such a healthy work culture, employers can set clear boundaries—like limiting after-hours communication to urgent matters only. Encouraging scheduled email delivery helps avoid the pressure of late-night work, while promoting paid leave and discouraging work during vacations shows that rest is truly valued.

While the Right to Disconnect isn’t a formal policy in the Middle East yet, having such an undrafted rule in the workplace speaks volumes. It shows your employees that you value them—not just through their paychecks, but by respecting their time and supporting a healthy work-life balance.