Portugal Makes it Illegal for Bosses to Text Employees After Working Hours

In a bold move for worker rights, Portugal recently passed legislation making it illegal for bosses to contact their employees after work hours — at least in most cases.

The law is aimed at preserving employees’ downtime, especially as more people are working from home.

What Exactly Does the Law Do?

Under the new labor rules, employers can face fines if they reach out to employees outside of their legally defined working hours — whether by phone, email, or text. This applies broadly: the “duty to refrain from contacting workers” covers not just after-hours work, but vacation periods, rest breaks, and other rest times, too.

There is an exception: bosses can make contact during “force majeure” events — serious, unforeseen emergencies. But regular, “hey, can you check that doc?” messages are off the table once you’re officially off work.

Why Portugal Made the Move

This isn’t just a “nice to have” — Portuguese lawmakers say it’s a real step to rebalance work and life in a digital age. Remote work has blurred the lines between “work time” and “me time,” and the government argues that this law helps restore that boundary.

Ana Catarina Mendes, a top Socialist Party figure, emphasized that there needs to be a clear separation between when someone is an “employee” and when they’re a person with a life, friends, and family.

How the U.S. Compares (or Doesn’t)

Could this happen in the U.S.? It’s doubtful, according to experts. The Guardian notes that while some places like California require overtime pay for extra hours, there’s no widespread expectation — or legal mandate — preventing contact outside normal working hours.

Orly Lobel, a law professor, told The Guardian that enforcing a strict “no-call” rule nationally would be really hard in today’s global, flexible work environment.

Why It’s a Big Deal

• Mental health & burnout: As remote work grows, so does the risk of being “always on.” This law is a recognition of that challenge.
• Worker dignity: It’s not just about productivity; it’s about respecting personal time.
• Global labor trends: Portugal’s move is part of a larger wave — other countries like France and Spain already have similar rules.
• Legal implications: Employers now need clear policies and may have to rethink how they manage their teams, especially with remote workers.

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