The French Codify A Right To Disconnect

Have you heard about the new "right to disconnect" law in France that has finally come into effect on January 1, 2017? Don't believe all the hype! 

While the law may be the first in the world to attempt to address the modern reality of around-the-clock connectivity of employees, the law does not have any concrete requirements other than to come up with a plan to address the problem or any real penalties attached if such a plan does not work. French employers of 50 or more employees are already required to discuss with their works council, on a yearly basis, a plan to provide for the professional equality of men and women and to provide for work-life balance. 

Article L.2242-8 of the Labor Code now includes the following as one aspect of the required discussion on work-life balance (translated from the original French):