The Implementation of the "Right to Disconnect" in Slovenia: An Evaluation of Challenges and Practices

Abstract

Digital transformation and information and communication technology (ICT) have significantly changed work in enterprises, particularly in the constant availability of employees to the enterprises. The biggest consequence of that is the blurred line between professional and private life. In response to the challenge of employees' constant availability, the Right to Disconnect (RTD) was developed, enabling employees to be unreachable outside of working hours. This paper analyses the initial implementation of RTD in Slovenian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and explores the relationship between enterprises’ digital maturity and the quality of RTD implementation. Using a qualitative methodology based on interviews with human resources (HR) managers from SMEs, the discussion highlights the effects of the RTD on digital ethics and organisational culture. The findings indicate that higher digital maturity encourages more effective RTD implementation, whereas less formalised practices in smaller enterprises indicate the need for additional support mechanisms and internal regulations.