The New York City Council is now raising the question on whether you should have to answer any electronic communication from your job outside of your working hours.
A so-called "Right to Disconnect" bill sponsored by Brooklyn councilman Rafael Espinal, Jr. would make it unlawful for private employees in the city of New York to require an employee to check or respond to their job. Vacation days, personal days and sick days would also be covered under the bill.
"The lines between our work and personal lives have blurred. My bill will simply protectemployees from retaliation when they choose to disconnect." - Espinal, Jr.
If your job does contact you after work hours, they could be fined $250 and up to $1,000 for repeat violations which would go right into your pocket. You are protected under this bill if you are a full or part-timer who works at least 80 hours in a calendar year at a business with more than 10 employees. This is pretty much all of us.
The Committee on Consumer Affairs and Business Licensing will be holding a hearing on the proposal this Thursday morning. We shall see, NYC!
Photo: GettyImages