Title: The Right to Disconnect: Evaluating the Efficacy of Labor Laws in Reducing after-hours Work Communication in Uasingishu County.
Authors: Dr. Frank Odayo and Lukorito Sharon
Volume: 9
Issue: 6
Pages: 216-222
Publication Date: 2025/06/28
Abstract:
This study investigates the efficacy of existing Kenyan labor laws in Uasingishu County in reducing after-hours work communication among employees. The rapid increase in digital communication technologies has blurred the lines between work and personal life. This has led to increased stress, burnout, and reduced wellbeing. This study aims to determine the prevalence of after work communication among Uashingishu county employee , to determine the effects of after work communication among Uasingishu county employees and to determine the efficacy of Labor Laws and the Right to Disconnect. A survey was administered to employees across various sectors in Uasingishu County to gauge their experiences with after-hours communication and their perceptions of the effectiveness of current legal frameworks. The results of this study determined that the after work communication was very prevalent within the county with 78.5 percent reporting contacts atleast once a week, 45.7percent experiencing daily contact,further the study showed that the effects of after work communication were diverse, including 85.1% reporting work-life conflict, 72.8% experiencing difficulty with psychological detachment, and 58.7% indicating negative impacts on sleep quality. Further the study concluded that while there were laws that defined the working hours and duration for the employees, the employees were not aware of them and the laws were not effectively implemented. The study recommends the implementation of the existing laws to enable the employees to have the right to disengage.