According to a study by the [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/), 37% of jobs can be done remotely. Despite this, many companies are requiring employees to return to the office after working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
One TikTok user, Chris (@chrispa46), shared his experience of malicious compliance after his boss tried to contact him outside of work hours. Chris said that his company asked him to complete all of his work in the office, so he complied by deleting his email and Microsoft Teams from his phone.
When his boss tried to call him for something urgent, he couldn’t reach him. Chris reminded his boss that he was just following orders, as he was not allowed to work from home.
Chris’s video has sparked a discussion about the benefits of remote work and the negative effects of forcing employees to return to the workplace. Remote workers have been shown to work longer hours and harder than in-office employees.
In the comments section, viewers praised Chris for standing his ground and pointed out that his act was one of malicious compliance.
Some viewers shared their own experiences of malicious compliance, such as blocking their managers from their personal phones.
According to a study by [Owl Labs](https://owllabs.com/state-of-remote-work/), over 20% of workers surveyed reported that their workplaces call them every day outside of work. Sixty-three percent of employees believe it should be illegal for employers to contact them outside of work hours.
Earlier in the month, California [passed](https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/09/29/governor-newsom-signs-legislation-to-promote-work-life-balance-for-californians/) a bill called “The Right To Disconnect Act.” This bill, which is set to go into effect in 2024, will prohibit employers from reaching out to workers after work hours.
Other countries, such as France, Italy, and Belgium, have similar laws in place.
