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.
“Too many workers are expected to be constantly available, answering emails, messages, and calls long after their workday ends,” Geiss said. “That pressure erodes well-being, undermines family life, and disproportionately impacts working parents and caregivers. It is a matter of fairness, dignity, and basic respect.”
She added that establishing boundaries could also benefit employers by improving retention and reducing turnover according to News 10 Lansing.
Workplace policy implications
The bill would apply to a broad range of employers and industries if passed, though specific exemptions and enforcement provisions have not been finalized in the publicly available summary.
Supporters say clearer limits on after-hours communication could reduce burnout and help define expectations for both employers and employees.
Next steps
Senate Bill 948 remains under consideration in the Michigan Legislature. Lawmakers have not yet taken final action on the proposal, and additional hearings or revisions are expected as the bill advances through the committee process.
The Takeaway
Proposal sets boundaries on after-hours work
Michigan lawmakers are considering a bill that would prohibit employers from requiring workers to respond to emails, texts, and calls outside of scheduled shifts.
Supporters focus on work-life balance
Backers of Senate Bill 948 say the measure is intended to protect employee well-being and reduce pressure to remain constantly available.
Legislative process continues
The proposal remains under review in the Michigan Legislature, with further action needed before it could become law.
