“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.