The Right To Switch Off Proposal to Enhance Workers’ Well-Being
With more people working from home than ever before, there is less distinction between work and home life. Unfortunately, it is becoming more common for employers to contact workers outside of office hours, during personal time. This intrusion can cause stress and have a detrimental effect on well-being, so the government is considering a proposal known as ‘The Right to Switch Off’ to help protect workers.
What is The Right to Switch Off?
The proposal is part of Labour’s New Deal for Working People. The plan is to prevent people working from home from feeling like they are constantly on the clock, with pressure to respond to work communications, even during their personal time. The idea behind the right to switch off is simple: after working hours are over, employers should not be allowed to contact employees by phone, email, or any other work-related means, unless it’s an emergency. For people who work from home, this will put in place a much-needed distinction between their work and personal life, allowing them to switch off from work-related matters when they feel the need to do so.
Why is this Important?
Remote working has many benefits, but when there is no clear separation between work and personal time it can lead to increased levels of stress. With stress being a leading cause of a variety of illnesses, constantly being ‘in the office’ can affect every part of employee’s personal lives, from their health to spending quality time with family.
Not only will the Right to Switch Off give workers the chance to take a clean break from work without negative consequences, but employers will also benefit by having a workforce that starts their job each day feeling relaxed and recharged.
How will The Right to Switch Off be Implemented?
It’s likely that the right to switch off will be introduced as a code of practice, rather than formal legislation. With that in mind, it is important for employers to take it seriously as there could be consequences for those who continue to break the rules. For example, if an employee takes the matter to a tribunal, they could be compensated by an extra 25 percent. It is hoped that this will act as a strong deterrent against businesses that do not respect employee boundaries.
How will it affect Employers?
To follow the code of practice, employers who often contact employees outside of office hours will need to adapt their communication style. They will need to ensure they have policies that are clear on the circumstances as to when staff can be contacted outside their usual working hours.
For business that have always had constant contact as an integral part of their culture, this could be a challenge. However, this change also brings an opportunity for employers to improve the relationship they have with their workers by creating a healthier work/life balance, and in turn reap the benefits of increased productivity and employee retention. It is also worth remembering that there is a degree of flexibility with The Right To Switch Off, where employers may contact workers in an emergency, such as in the case of staff absence.
Working Towards a Better Work-Life Balance
The right to switch off is more than just a rule about when employers can contact their workers. It is about establishing healthy boundaries that benefit both employers and employees.
At Ashton People Solutions, we are here to help you prepare your business for the new changes on the horizon. Whether you are looking for HR consultancy, or training and development, you have our expertise at your disposal to ensure your business is ahead of the game. Get in touch with our team, or book your consultation today.
Please contact us on 01352 878535 or info@ashtonpeoplesolutions.co.uk
