Originally published on 8 February 2022 - this article has been updated.

• The rapid switch to remote working during the pandemic has made the line between home life and working hours unclear.
• Many remote workers feel they need to be available at all times.
• But answering calls and messages after office hours are over can lead to stress and burnout.
• Several countries in Europe have put legislation in place to allow employees to disconnect, and Kenya is looking at doing the same.

The shift to remote working has blurred the line between home and work life for many people, leaving them answering calls, texts and emails at all hours. This has prompted numerous countries to look at laws to protect the "right to disconnect".

Kenya is the latest country to do so – and the first African country to consider such a move. Its proposed Employee (Amendment) Bill seeks to prevent employers from expecting employees to answer calls, text messages or emails outside working hours, at weekends or on public holidays.

The bill would require firms with more than 10 employees to consult staff or trade unions about their out-of-work policies. And they would face fines of $4,000 if they break the rules.

Belgium's right to disconnect

Belgium passed a law in February 2022 allowing civil servants to switch off work emails, texts and phone calls received out of hours, without fear of reprisals. The legislation protects the country’s 65,000 public-sector employees from exposure to being permanently...

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