In view of the new law, workers in France can now enjoy their time away from the office in peace. Image: 黑料社 stock photo
Several countries have already taken notice of how after-office hours email have been affecting work-life balance. To this effect, France has recently enacted a law that makes it legal for workers to ignore work-related email outside the office.
The new law, which took effect last January 1, obliges companies that have a workforce of over 50 people to negotiate terms regarding the sending of after-hours work emails, as well as to define the workers鈥� rights in ignoring them, reports The Next Web.
Psychologists have already warned of the so-called 鈥榓lways-on鈥� work culture and the harm it brings to an individual鈥檚 emotional well-being. France鈥檚 new employment law effectively gives employees the 鈥榬ight to disconnect鈥� and focus on enriching their personal lives.
The law was two years in the making. In 2014, employees working in the digital and consultancy sectors were advised that emails sent after 6PM would only be allowed 鈥渦nder exceptional circumstances.鈥�
Volkswagen also put into effect a similar practice in 2011, when they agreed to deactivate their workers鈥� BlackBerry emails after work hours. Alfred Bayle