Indiana lacks a statutory “right to disconnect” law allowing employees to ignore work communications outside hours, unlike some international models or proposed bills elsewhere. Instead, state policies emphasize overtime compensation under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), requiring 1.5 times pay for hours over 40 weekly, with guidelines discouraging unauthorized off-duty work.​
State Employee Guidelines
For Indiana state employees, policies advise overtime-eligible workers against checking or responding to work emails or messages off-duty unless management explicitly requires it, such as for emergencies, to prevent uncompensated overtime. Supervisors must authorize extra hours, and violations trigger counseling or discipline, prioritizing work-life boundaries through restraint on communications. These rules apply to non-exempt staff, with time tracked in quarter-hour increments for any off-duty tasks.​
Broader Labor Protections
Indiana follows FLSA for wages ($7.25/hour minimum, $2.13 for tipped workers) and overtime, with no additional state mandates on after-hours contact for private employers. Work-life options include alternative schedules and leaves for family or community service, supporting balance without formal disconnection rights. Employers risk overtime claims if off-duty communications lead to work, but no penalties exist for contacting employees outside hours.​
SOURCES
[1](https://www.rippling.com/blog/employment-labor-law-in-indiana)
[2](https://www.workyard.com/blog-articles/indiana-labor-laws)
[3](https://www.in.gov/spd/files/Hours-of-Work-and-Overtime-Policy.pdf)
[4](https://www.in.gov/spd/files/After-Hours-Use-of-Communication-Technology-Overtime-Compensation-4-8-2016-BKB.pdf)
[5](https://www.in.gov/spd/policies-and-procedures/hours-of-work-and-overtime/)
