The right to disconnect: Job demands, burnout, and well-being among female teachers and regulatory policy context

This study examines the impact of job demands, particularly after hours communication, on burnout and well-being among female employees in Kuwait’s Ministry of Education. This study is based on the job demands-resources (JD-R) model and boundary theory (Ashforth et al., 2000; Demerouti & Bakker, 2023). Utilizing a sample of 643 participants, the research employs principal component analysis (PCA) and linear regression to identify key predictors of well-being. Findings reveal that specific job demands, when perceived as manageable challenges, positively associate with well-being. Conversely, poor supervisory relationships significantly detract from well-being, highlighting the critical role of management support. The study highlights the importance of implementing the right to disconnect policy to enhance work-life balance and protect mental health. Implications for policy include improving supervisory relationships, providing boundary management training, and ensuring a balance between job demands and resources. Recommendations for future research include longitudinal studies and cross-cultural comparisons to further explore these dynamics. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on work-life balance and employee rights, offering practical recommendations for policymakers, organizational leaders, and academics.