A researcher at the Université de Montréal is pushing for updates to Quebec’s labor laws to give employees a clear, legal "right to disconnect."
Geneviève Richard, who studies modern labor dynamics, points out that smartphones have completely blurred the boundary between work and personal life. Thanks to non-stop notifications and emails, many people find it nearly impossible to genuinely unplug or recharge, even when they’re away on vacation or off the clock.
Research shows this kind of constant digital availability takes a heavy toll, leading to sleep disruption, chronic stress, and severe burnout. Quebec’s current employment regulations were written decades ago—long before mobile devices and remote work became the norm.
Richard argues that both employers and staff need clearer guidelines, and it's time for provincial laws to catch up to protect workers' mental and physical health in our hyper-connected world.