Study shows more effort is needed to help employees switch off after work

A new RS Group study examines US employee attitudes toward a ”Right to Switch Off” bill and their ability to unwind after work

Our new report explores how modern working habits impact employees’ ability to disconnect from work outside of office hours. It examines the extent of this issue across different demographics, job roles, company sizes, and states within the US.

We surveyed 1,000 US-employed respondents across the country to find out how well they can switch off after work, and if they struggle, why. We also asked if the same employees would support a Right to Switch Off bill or if they have previously supported similar initiatives.

Workers struggle to switch off after work

We asked employees a series of questions to understand their ability to switch off after work and the reasons behind any difficulties.

The study found that most of the working population cannot switch off after work.

Over half of employed Americans (55%) find it hard to “switch off” and relax after work.

The main reason for this is because they feel the need to check emails out of work hours (47%).

Here are the main reasons why workers struggle to switch off (% who agreed with this):

1. Feel the need to check emails outside of work (47%)
2. Receive calls and texts outside of work that aren’t an emergency (41%)
3. Use their personal mobile phone for work (38%)
4. My workload is too high (37%)
5. Feel they need to take work calls or check emails when on vacation (32%)

A divide in generations, job roles, and gender

Those working in mid-sized companies (50-99 employees) find it the hardest to switch off, with nearly two-thirds (62%) of employees admitting this. Half of sole proprietors (50%) also said they find it hard to switch off.

Even though 18–24-year-olds use their personal phone for work more than any other age group (48%), and half of 25–34-year-olds (50%) feel the need to check work emails outside of hours, three in five (60%) of 35–44-year-olds find it hardest to switch off, which is more than any other demographic.

This may be due to increased responsibilities outside of work. Research shows that 22% of Americans split their time between full-time work and caregiving duties, often including medical and nursing tasks, and that 23% of caregivers in the US are aged 35-49.

The gender divide is also notable, even with men more likely to check emails outside of work (52%), over half (58%) of women say they find it hard to switch off from work — a contrast to men at (53%).

This is especially true for working mothers, as a recent study showed that working mothers are twice as likely as working fathers to reduce hours or leave their jobs due to an inability to achieve a work-life balance.

Another study also found that for the sixth year in a row, women are significantly less satisfied across almost all 26 job satisfaction components surveyed. The largest gaps between men and women were related to wages, bonuses, potential for growth, health benefits (including mental health policies), and retirement plans.

State disparities in work-life balance

Workers across the US face increasing challenges in disconnecting from work, with notable differences by state.

Colorado leads nationally, with 82% of workers reporting difficulty switching off primarily due to over half (56%) using personal phones for work.

In Louisiana, 71% of employees receive non-emergency calls or texts outside of work, the highest of any state.

Meanwhile, of the respondents in Minnesota, all said they felt the need to check emails while on vacation (100%), as did two thirds (67%) of Virginia workers.

On the other hand, workers in states such as California, Idaho, Vermont, New Hampshire and Minnesota showed strong support for a proposed ”Right to Switch Off” bill, indicating growing awareness and advocacy for better work-life boundaries.

The impact of work location on the ability to switch off

With over 54% of Fortune 100 companies in the US mandating full-time office returns, the study also uncovered the impact of work location on connectivity to work. Remote and hybrid working patterns are significantly influencing employees’ ability to disconnect after hours.

While 61% of remote workers find it easier to switch off after work, those working full-time onsite report the greatest difficulty (58%).

Hybrid workers are the most likely to feel pressure to check emails outside of work (62%), highlighting the blurred boundaries in flexible roles. Additionally, 30% of employees in medium-to-large companies (250–500 staff) are explicitly told to remain available beyond standard working hours, suggesting a widespread expectation of out-of-hours engagement in larger organizations.

US employees want action from employers

We asked US workers if they would support a Right to Switch Off bill or if they have previously supported similar movements. Over half of working Americans (56%) would support a Right to Switch Off bill or petition, and one in five (20%) have previously signed or supported a similar bill or petition. Over one quarter (26%) would not sign or support.

Interestingly, over one quarter (28%) of 18–24-year-olds would not sign or support a Right to Switch Off bill — which is more than any other generation. A recent study suggested this is because the younger generation are more likely to see their role as a job over a career (28%) and as a result, job loyalty is lower. If Zoomers aren’t happy in a role, then they are more likely to leave than take action and will move onto the next job. Data shows that the average job tenure of Gen Z is 1.1 years.

In addition, those at Director level are most likely (87%) to sign a bill in support of the Right to Switch Off in comparison to other job levels.

Our conclusion

It seems that the US is behind in legislation when it comes to the Right to Switch Off after work. Governments in Italy, France, Ireland, Belgium, and Germany have already made huge movements in introducing policies. Australia also recently introduced a Right to Disconnect law in 2024, which will benefit millions.

California recently proposed AB 2751, a Right to Disconnect bill, which would allow employees to ignore after-hours communication from employers and not monitor work systems or client messages outside of work. As the first of its kind in the US, it did not pass into law, unlike European countries.

LaRissa O’Neal, Director of Talent and Organizational Development at RS, commented: “Work-life balance isn’t a luxury or buzzword; it’s a business imperative. In fact, it’s the foundation for thriving teams and sustainable success because it is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship between the employer and employee — a relationship that is clearly built on trust, flexibility, and genuine care.”

“When employees feel supported and respected beyond the workplace, they bring creativity, energy, and purpose to everything they do. In short, being empowered to switch off and have a fulfilling life outside of work means that employees are more able to show up as their best on the job.”

LaRissa continued: “At RS, we believe that investing in our people and building those strong relationships means supporting their whole selves — both personally and professionally. Creating space for balance leads to stronger teams, better collaboration, and sustainable success. And investing in well-being means empowering individuals to recharge, reconnect, and show up as their best selves.”

“Work-life balance isn’t about doing less — it’s about living more. It truly is about building workplaces where people thrive inside and outside the office.”

LaRissa shared simple tips to switch off after work:

• Set boundaries: Silence notifications and close your laptop at a set time
• Create a ritual: A walk, a workout, or even grabbing a snack on your way to the couch can signal the end of the work day
• Prioritize joy: Schedule hobbies or family time like you would an important meeting — and don’t feel guilty for being wholly present in those moments!
• Unplug intentionally: Keep devices out of reach during downtime
  

About RS

RS is a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably.

We operate in 36 markets, stock over 800,000 industrial and specialist products and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations. We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it’s our people that make the difference.

Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people planet and profit.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2024 reported revenue of £2,942 million.

For more information, please visit: https://www.rsgroup.com

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About RS in the Americas

In the Americas region, RS stocks more than 250,000 industrial and electronic products from more than 700 trusted suppliers. These solutions cover categories extending from automation and control equipment to interconnect, passive, active, and electromechanical components and include more than 80,000 high-quality, competitively priced RS PRO products. For more information, please visit https://us.rs-online.com or connect with us via social media on Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and YouTube.