Instrumentos de gestão em diálogo com os limites impostos pelo direito do trabalho

: os impactos da nova cultura organizacional no direito à desconexão

Abstract

The delimitation of working time has been a central issue in labor law since its inception. However, technological advancements and the flexibilization of labor relations have introduced new challenges, increasingly blurring the boundary between working time and resting periods. In more developed societies, there is a corporate culture that encourages constant connectivity, linking productivity to the continuous availability of workers. In response to this reality, the Portuguese legislator introduced Article 199.º-A of the Labor Code, establishing the employer’s duty to refrain from contacting employees outside of working hours. However, the effectiveness of this provision faces cultural and practical challenges. At the same time, practices such as telework and team building, promoted as tools for greater well-being and flexibility, may paradoxically increase pressure on workers and hinder the enforcement of the right to disconnect. This dissertation aims to analyze the evolution of this right, its legal framework, and the impact of organizational culture on its implementation.

Date of Award	4 Sept 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Ana Teresa Ribeiro (Supervisor)