Examining “Right-to-Disconnect” Policies, Work–Life Balance, and Employee Mental Health in Hybrid Work Environments

Abstract

In hybrid work environments, the temporal and spatial boundaries between work and personal life have become increasingly blurred, and employees are often confronted with expectations of immediate responsiveness. “Right-to-disconnect” policies can help restore work–life balance and support mental health by establishing clear communication boundaries. The present study aimed to examine the effects of these policies on employees’ work–life balance and mental health in hybrid work environments. To this end, a mixed-methods research approach was adopted, incorporating a researcher-developed questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with employees of organizations that use hybrid working arrangements. The assessment criteria included awareness of the policies, employees’ perceptions of work boundaries, the level of work–life balance, and indicators of mental health such as anxiety, job burnout, and life satisfaction. The results indicated that employees in organizations where right-to-disconnect policies had been formally developed and implemented reported higher levels of work–life balance, lower communication pressure, and lower levels of job burnout. Furthermore, clarity regarding expected response hours, managerial support for personal boundaries, and a non-punitive organizational culture played important roles in strengthening the positive effects of these policies. In contrast, the absence of a clearly defined policy or inconsistent implementation relative to operational expectations may increase anxiety and a sense of latent pressure among employees. It can therefore be concluded that the right to disconnect is not merely a communication practice but a key mechanism for preventing mental health problems and promoting sustainable productivity in hybrid organizations. Managers are advised to ensure the effective institutionalization of this right within the organizational culture through the development of clear policies, employee training, and periodic policy reviews.