The Lead Off
- Michigan lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban employers from requiring workers to respond to work communications off the clock
- Senate Bill 948 would limit after-hours emails, texts, calls, and messaging platform requests
- Supporters say the proposal is aimed at improving worker well-being and work-life balance
LANSING, MICH. (WOWO) Michigan lawmakers are considering legislation that would prohibit employers from requiring employees to check or respond to work-related communications while they are off the clock.
The proposal, Senate Bill 948, is titled the “Workplace Employee Boundaries Act” and was introduced in May by state Sen. Erika Geiss (D–01).
Proposed limits on after-hours communication
If enacted, the bill would bar employers from requiring workers to respond to work-related messages outside of scheduled shifts.
The restrictions would apply to:
- Emails
- Text messages
- Group messaging platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Slack
- Social media messages
- Phone calls
The proposal is intended to establish clearer boundaries between work hours and personal time.
Supporters cite worker well-being
Sen. Geiss said the legislation is designed to address increasing expectations that employees remain available beyond their scheduled work hours…