“The Right to Disconnect”: Portugal's New Labor Legislation for Remote Workers

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic suddenly thrust millions of people into ad hoc home offices, leading many workers to report a sense of burnout as the lines between professional and personal spheres all but disappeared. As more and more companies adjust to remote work as a long-term condition, Portugal is attempting to protect workers’ personal time with a spate of legislation that prohibits employers from contacting employees during non-work hours, among other restrictions. This case reviews Portugal’s new laws and asks students to discuss them within the context of shifting labor norms.

This case was prepared for inclusion in SAGE Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

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