Something for the weekend…
Most of us will be familiar with the scenario: You’re finally winding down after a busy day at work when your mobile beeps with a new email… and it is from the boss.
First thoughts? You have to reply. With the rise of digital devices, it can seem like there is no such thing as getting away from messages after clocking off from work.
While many have just accepted this as a new way of life, France has decided to act and brought in rules to stop employees’ evenings being interrupted to improve the country’s work-life balance.
The rules, which apply to employees working in the digital and consultancy sectors, mean they will have to switch off work phones and avoid looking at work emails after 6pm through to 9am.
Only in ’exceptional circumstances’ would this be allowed, which may do wonders for staff motivation and productivity by enabling them to have a total break outside of working hours.
Perhaps lessons can be learnt from the French approach to work-life balance, particularly as summer months draw nearer and us Brits look to make the most of our few days of sun.
This is not actualy a ban and is more a working agreement signed up between 16 large corporations in France in consulting and hi-tech with the Ministry of Human Rights in an attempt to promote and support a healthier work life balance for working women. It allows the workers in consulting and hi-tech sectors to be able to decline a meeting held at 6PM for example and not risk getting fired as a result. The article heading is misleading to imply all French workers will be switching off after 6PM and going home for a nice glass of wine and steak frites!
Bravo to any organisation taking the bold step of placing such a ban, whether its via a workforce agreement or not. Our 24/7 connectivity take some managing if we are to have a balance and separattion between our work life and our home life and it is an easy ‘fix’ to have a time in place after which you will be under no obligation to respond to calls or emails.
I think it’s a better action taken by these corporations to encourge employees motivation which will ultimately ehance their productivity.. I appreciate it.