In a much-publicised move, from 1 January 2017, French law has been amendedto provide employees with the ‘right to disconnect’ from their work e-mailsoutside of normal working hours.
The intention is to allow employees to enjoy actual rather than token restperiods at the end of their work day/week. It is hoped that thisdevelopment will assist in reducing employee work-related stress and burnout, aswell as promoting a work/life balance.
From an Irish employer’s perspective, the right to disconnect will berelevant where there are plans to relocate employees to France. Whilethere is no sign of a similar right being introduced under Irish law, employersin Ireland should ensure that they fully comply with their obligations toprovide employees with the necessary rest periods between work days and at theend of the work week, as required under the Organisation of Working Time Act1997. Employers should also bear in mind their common law duties to theiremployees.
Contributed by Alicia Compton and Paul Buchanan
