Although an important initiative, a greater focus on employee autonomy is needed to maximize the benefits intended by these laws. In structuring work this way, organizations effectively separate work hours from work outputs and focus squarely on results rather than the time clock. Overseeing an employee's work behavior may not, in fact, be necessary as long as workers are generating outputs on time, within budget, and at an acceptable level of quality. The right to disconnect is an issue that has emerged due to technological developments that have allowed organizations to keep employees tethered to work 24/7. The best way to help employees disconnect from work is to allow them the autonomy to choose for themselves how, when, and where to disconnect.

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