The new code of Practice on the right to disconnect will encourage employers and employees to develop a better work life balance, a Dublin Mid-West TD has said.
Speaking on the announcement, Fine Gael TD, Deputy Emer Higgins said: “Working people are under more stress than ever before and advances in technology have robbed us all of our freedom.
“We’re all always plugged in and always on, dealing with work calls and the constant ping of a new email which has heaped pressure on top of pressure onto workers.
“Many people have been working from home for a full year now. For them, the distinction between work-life and home-life has blurred beyond recognition with some working from their bedroom, their living room or their kitchen table,” said Deputy Higgins.
“Others are bringing their work home from the office with them and that’s especially tough for people who are struggling to cope with childcare, with their mental health or just the general upheaval that Covid-19 presents.
“The right to disconnect will give workers the right to switch off from their job, outside of working hours, including not having to respond immediately to emails, telephone calls or other requests appearing out of hours on a routine basis.
“As we move toward a more blended style of working from both home and the office, it’s important this this code of practice is in place, so workers know where to draw the line and when to disconnect,” concluded Deputy Higgins.
