The French government is preparing to propose a bill that would give workers the "right to disconnect" from their emails and smartphones after work hours when they are out of the office, according to a CNN Money report.
The draft bill is part of an assemblage of labor reforms designed to enhance competition in France while still protecting employees' interests. It was first disclosed by French newspaper Le Parisien.
In addition to removing pressure on employees to stay constantly connected, the draft bill includes reforms to France's 35-hour work week rule. The rule, which has been reformed numerous times, was enacted in 2000 to encourage companies to hire more people by restricting work hours, according to the report.
French unions have pressed for a "disconnect" rule for years, claiming digital technology has catalyzed an "explosion of undeclared labor" that pressures employees to work more than 35 hours per week.
If the proposal is approved, the bill will come into law in July 2017, according to the report.
Some French companies have already implemented measures of their own by baring employees from using their devices after work or completely shutting down email systems overnight, according to the report.
Frederic Lafage, director of the engineering firm ORFEA Acoustique, said implementing a "disconnect" system was difficult, but it hasn't resulted in decreased productivity. On the contrary, he said workers have been more efficient in the office and are getting more rest at home, according to the report.