As of April 2025, workers in Spain have a new labor right: digital disconnection.
This legal measure ensures that employees are not required to respond to work-related communications outside their working hours, including during rest periods, holidays, or weekends.
What does this new right entail?
The right to digital disconnection is regulated under Article 20 bis of the Workers’ Statute and Article 88 of the Data Protection Act. With the new reform, the aim is to grant employees the right not to be contacted outside of their working hours.
This means that companies must refrain from contacting employees outside of their working schedule and ensure that no unpaid work is carried out during those times.
Why is it important?
European studies show that approximately 27% of workers are unable to digitally disconnect after their workday. Additionally, between 20% and 25% perform unpaid tasks outside of work hours, such as replying to emails or answering calls. In sectors like education and healthcare, the impact is even greater—around 42% of teachers remain connected beyond their working hours to answer questions or prepare materials.
The implementation of this right seeks to protect workers’ mental health and well-being by promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Employer obligations
Companies are required to establish internal policies to regulate the use of digital devices and communications outside working hours. This includes implementing protocols to respect employees’ rest time.
Failure to comply with these obligations may result in sanctions for companies, ranging from financial penalties to other legal consequences.
Conclusion
The entry into force of the right to digital disconnection in 2025 marks a significant step forward in protecting labor rights in Spain. It is essential for both employers and employees to understand and respect this regulation in order to foster healthy and balanced work environments.
For more information on this measure, you can consult the original article in El Correo Gallego.
