Rhode Island lacks a specific “right to disconnect” law mandating employees ignore work communications outside hours, unlike proposals in states like California or New York.​
Work-Life Balance Measures
Rhode Island promotes balance through existing labor protections rather than disconnection mandates. Employers must provide meal breaks (30 minutes unpaid after 6 hours for adults), rest periods where feasible, and paid sick leave under the Healthy and Safe Families and Workplaces Act. Recent 2025 updates expanded family leave, minimum wage to $15.25/hour (phased increases continue), and protections against discrimination for political activities or off-duty conduct.​
Key Labor Laws Overview
Rhode Island’s approach emphasizes fair wages, leave, and anti-retaliation without after-hours contact rules.
Minimum wage rises annually; overtime at 1.5x after 40 hours weekly.​
Paid family/medical leave up to 6 weeks (60% wage replacement) via state fund.​
No at-will firing retaliation for using leave, reporting violations, or union activity.​
These laws foster balance via rest mandates and leave, leaving after-hours norms to company policy.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/rhode-island/810-RICR-10-00-1.3)
[2](https://www.laborandemploymentlawcounsel.com/2021/08/the-right-to-disconnect-for-employees/)
[3](https://www.fordharrison.com/are-us-employers-ready-for-a-right-to-disconnect-law)
[4](https://natlawreview.com/article/proposed-california-bill-provides-workers-right-disconnect-work)
[5](https://www.postercompliance.com/blog/right-to-disconnect/)
