The Right to Switch Off Striking a Balance Between Work and Life

The "Right to Switch Off" has become crucial as workplaces, especially with remote working, face challenges in separating professional and personal life. Blurred boundaries are leading to more stress, burnout, and declining mental health.

Why is the Right to Disconnect Important?

As work becomes increasingly digital and flexible, many employees feel obligated to check emails or continue working after hours. A study by iCompario revealed that 67% of workers felt compelled to check work-related emails in their personal time, which can have a significant impact on their ability to rest and recover.

The introduction of Right to Disconnect policies can protect workers' well-being by establishing clear guidelines. This allows employees to fully disengage from their professional responsibilities, promoting better mental and physical health. Countries such as Ireland and Belgium have already implemented legislation or guidelines supporting the Right to Disconnect, and the results have been encouraging. Ireland’s Code of Practice outlines three key rights for employees:

• There is no requirement to work beyond their contracted hours.
• Employees are protected from any penalties or negative consequences for choosing to disconnect.
• Employers are obligated to respect the boundaries between work and personal life.

These policies create a structured approach that benefits employees, ensuring they can fully disconnect from work when off duty. By offering this right, employers not only promote a healthier work-life balance but also foster a more sustainable working environment that supports long-term employee well-being.

Why Employers Must Act

Worried that implementing the Right to Disconnect might lead to reduced productivity? Research and experience suggest otherwise. Employees who are able to clearly separate work from their personal lives tend to be more focused, motivated, and productive during working hours. Conversely, overworked employees, or those who feel pressured to constantly remain available, are more likely to experience burnout. Burnt-out employees are often less effective, leading to decreased output and a rise in mistakes or absenteeism.

Allowing employees the space to truly disconnect can have a direct impact on performance. It enables workers to recharge, maintain higher levels of creativity and problem-solving skills, and ultimately become more engaged when they are working. This, in turn, benefits the business, as employees perform better and are more likely to stay with the company over the long term. Employers that prioritise a healthy work-life balance are also more attractive to prospective hires. Today’s workforce is increasingly looking for more than just competitive salaries—they value flexibility, well-being, and companies that respect their personal time. By implementing policies like the Right to Disconnect, employers can enhance their appeal to talented candidates in a highly competitive job market.

Looking to the Future: Adopting the Right to Disconnect

Encouraging email scheduling and having employees remove work emails from personal phones are just a couple of ways businesses can embrace this approach. While the Right to Disconnect is not yet a legal requirement in the UK, forward-thinking companies are recognising the value of such policies. With growing pressure on governments to address work-life balance in a digital world, legal protections may soon follow. By adopting these practices early, businesses can stay ahead and show a commitment to employee wellbeing.