Digital disconnection has gained relevance in the context of recent labour reforms, becoming a necessity in the new work environment. This legal figure, which seeks to guarantee the right of workers to disconnect from their electronic devices outside of working hours, has been key in the new regulations due to the increase in teleworking and digitalisation in recent years.

Companies must establish clear policies that guarantee real rest times for employees. These policies benefit the worker and promote productivity and a better organisational climate since disconnection allows employees to recover properly, avoiding burnout syndrome or professional exhaustion.
Compliance with this regulation also implies a cultural change in organisations, which must adapt to new ways of managing time and work demands. Digital disconnection is a right and a vital tool for more humane and balanced work in the digital age.

Including the right to digital disconnection in the new labour reform is a significant step towards prioritising work-life balance and mental health. This change would imply several important adjustments for both workers and companies, leading to a reconfiguration of work dynamics that is more conducive to a healthy and balanced life.

What would be the critical implications?

1. Clarity in working hours

Companies would need to establish clear policies on working hours, defining precise boundaries for when employees are available to deal with work-related issues. This measure would reduce implicit expectations of constant availability, particularly in technology-intensive jobs involving email and messaging apps.

2. Protecting worker welfare

Digital disconnection seeks to combat stress, anxiety, and burnout.

Limiting availability outside of working hours promotes more effective rest, improving employees’ mental and physical health and creating a healthier and more sustainable work environment in the long term.

3. Corporate Responsibility

Companies would have a legal obligation to adapt their structure to respect this right, which could include changes in task organisation, communication, and expectations regarding the delivery of work outside of conventional hours.

In addition, sanctions could be established for organisations that do not comply with this right, promoting a more respectful work culture.

4. Promoting productivity

While it may initially seem like digital disconnection would limit productivity, the opposite is often true. Allowing workers to switch off and recharge encourages more efficient performance during work hours. Adequate rest will enable employees to be more focused and motivated when they return to work.

5. Changes in organisational culture

Implementing the right to digital disconnection would imply a cultural change within companies. Tremendous respect for employees’ time would be encouraged, which could improve the organisational climate and strengthen workers’ loyalty and commitment to the company.

Conclusion

In short, including the right to digital disconnection in labour reform would mean protecting workers from hyperconnectivity and changing the way organisations manage time, technology, and workplace wellbeing.

Do you want to discover how to implement digital disconnection in your company and improve the well-being and productivity of your team? Do not hesitate to contact our team.

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