The Government’s proposal to limit employers from contacting their staff outside of working hours has gained strong public support, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that only 17% opposed the measure, with the highest backing reported in the South East. The polling, conducted by Survation and commissioned by the Autonomy Institute think tank, urged the Government to adopt similar laws seen in France and Portugal, where fines are imposed on employers who breach the regulations.
In France, employers have faced penalties for disregarding the legislation, setting a precedent for enforcing a ‘Right to Switch Off’ policy. Will Stronge, the director of research at Autonomy Institute, emphasised the importance of empowering workers by giving them the right to disconnect after work hours and holding employers accountable for breaching these boundaries. He highlighted that a comprehensive right to switch off would not only grant employees the freedom to ignore out-of-hours communications but also punish employers who persistently engage with their staff during non-working times.
The call for stricter regulations on after-hours contact echoes sentiments from various sectors, advocating for a healthier work-life balance. By drawing parallels to successful implementations in other countries, supporters of the movement hope to see greater protection for employees and a more sustainable approach to managing work-related communications outside of designated working hours. The push for a ‘Right to Switch Off’ legislation aligns with the evolving landscape of modern work practices, emphasising the importance of boundaries and respect for personal time.