Right to disconnect in Luxembourg: penalties applicable from 4 July 2026

The right to disconnect in Luxembourg is a legal obligation requiring employers to ensure that employees who use digital tools for work purposes are granted adequate rest periods.

From 4 July 2026, companies that fail to comply with these obligations will face administrative penalties ranging from €251 to €25,000.

What is the right to disconnect in Luxembourg?

The right to disconnect aims to regulate the use of work-related digital tools (emails, messaging apps, collaborative platforms) outside working hours.

It ensures:

• respect for employees’ rest periods
• a separation between work and private life
• the prevention of risks associated with hyper-connectivity

This provision forms part of Luxembourg labour law.

Which law governs the right to disconnect in Luxembourg?

The right to disconnect is governed by the Act of 28 June 2023.

Since 4 July 2023, employers have been required to put in place an internal policy guaranteeing this right for employees who use digital tools for work purposes.

End of the transition period in 2026

A three-year transition period has been put in place to allow businesses to adapt.

This period ends on 4 July 2026, after which penalties will apply.

What penalties apply for failing to respect the right to disconnect?

From 4 July 2026, employers may face penalties for non-compliance.

The penalties provided for are:

• an administrative fine of between €251 and €25,000
• a penalty determined according to the seriousness of the breach

These penalties are intended to ensure that the right to disconnect is effectively upheld.

Legal risks prior to 2026

Even before administrative sanctions come into force, employees may bring claims before the employment courts.

In particular, they may seek compensation in the event of a breach of the right to disconnect.

Employers’ obligations in Luxembourg

Employers must put in place a specific scheme to ensure compliance with the right to disconnect.

This specific scheme must cover the following points:

• the practical arrangements and technical measures for disconnecting from digital devices
• awareness-raising and training measures
• the arrangements for compensation in the event of exceptional exceptions to the right to disconnect

Why is the right to disconnect a compliance issue?

The right to disconnect is not merely a legal obligation.

It is also a key consideration in terms of:

• HR risk management
• prevention of psychosocial risks
• quality of life at work
• social compliance

How can you ensure compliance with the right to disconnect?

To ensure compliance, companies must:

1. Assess existing internal practices
2. Formalise a policy on disconnecting
3. Adapt digital tools
4. Train managers
5. Raise awareness among employees

Conclusion

The right to disconnect in Luxembourg is becoming a major challenge for employers.

With penalties coming into force in 2026, it is essential to start planning for compliance now in order to minimise legal and organisational risks.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or require clarification!