Workplace Rights the US Still Lacks: Lessons From Abroad

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-28

The US has long been a global leader in innovation, but when it comes to worker protections, we're often playing catch-up. While the UK's 2025 Employment Rights Act is making waves across the Atlantic, it's worth noting that many countries—including some of our closest allies—already offer benefits that would sound like science fiction to most American employees. As an e-commerce consultant who's worked with teams on both sides of the pond, I've seen firsthand how these differences play out in real businesses. So let's take a tour of ten workplace rights that other countries have—and why they matter for your bottom line. ### The Right to Disconnect: France Leads the Way France made headlines in 2017 when it mandated that companies with 50 or more employees must negotiate specific hours when staff can be reached electronically. This means that after a certain time, your boss can't ping you about that "urgent" spreadsheet update. Australia went even further in August 2024, making it illegal for employers to punish workers who ignore after-hours calls or emails. The US has no such federal protection—only the Fair Labor Standards Act, which doesn't cover the digital leash. > "The right to disconnect isn't about being lazy; it's about being human." — A sentiment echoed by labor advocates worldwide. ### Brazil's 13th Month Salary: A Holiday Boost Brazil's "décimo terceiro salário" has been a constitutional right since the 1960s. Employers must pay every formal employee an extra month's wage each year, split into two mandatory installments. This isn't a bonus—it's a legal wage, owed even on dismissal. Similar policies exist across Latin America and parts of Europe (Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain). In the US, we have nothing comparable; holiday bonuses are purely discretionary, and they're often the first thing cut in a downturn. ### Spain's Paid Menstrual Leave: A First in Europe In 2023, Spain became the first European country to introduce paid menstrual leave for workers with medically certified incapacitating periods. The state funds this time off from day one. While the US has no such provision, the conversation is growing louder, especially as more states consider paid sick leave expansions. ### France's Commute Reimbursement: Helping You Get to Work French employers must reimburse at least 50% of the cost of public transport season tickets for home-to-work commutes, covering part-timers and trainees too. In the US, only a handful of cities like San Francisco and New York require similar subsidies, but there's no federal mandate. With average commutes stretching over 27 minutes each way, this would be a game-changer for many workers. ### Canada's Anti-Ghosting Law: No More Silence In Ontario, companies with over 25 employees must notify candidates within 45 days of their interview about whether they got the job. Failing to do so can result in fines up to CA$100,000 (about $73,000 USD). The US has no such law, leaving millions of job seekers in limbo every year. ### Germany's Board-Level Representation: Workers in the Boardroom Germany's Mitbestimmungsgesetz requires companies with over 2,000 employees to give workers half of the seats on their supervisory board. Firms with 500–2,000 employees must reserve one-third. This ensures that workforce voices are heard in top-level decisions, from layoffs to strategic pivots. In the US, only a few progressive companies like Saturn (RIP) experimented with similar models. ### The Netherlands' Flexible Working Act: Reduced Hours, No Fuss Dutch employees at firms with more than 10 staff can request reduced hours or a different working pattern, and employers must seriously consider the request. This flexibility has been linked to higher productivity and lower burnout. In the US, "flexible work" often means "you can work from home, but you'll still be on call 24/7." ### What This Means for US Businesses If you're an employer, these international examples might feel like a burden. But consider the payoff: countries with these protections often report higher employee satisfaction, lower turnover, and better innovation. For e-commerce companies, where margins are tight and talent is scarce, investing in worker rights could be your competitive edge. ### The Bottom Line We don't have to copy every policy, but we can learn from what's working elsewhere. Whether it's the right to disconnect or a 13th-month bonus, the goal is a fairer, more sustainable workplace. And that's good for everyone—employees, employers, and the economy as a whole. So, what's one workplace right you wish the US would adopt? Let me know in the comments below.