Page 8 - PA_Enterprise_February-March_2021

PA Enterprise

Do employees have ‘the

right to log off’ while

working from home?

The pandemic has led to an increase in home working and people feeling
obliged to be contactable outside their normal hours.

As our homes have become offices, classrooms, employees to burn out, having a negative impact
gyms and relaxation spaces all rolled into one, it on both their physical and mental health.
is easy for the lines between work and home to
become blurred. Tired and stressed employees are more likely to
Many people feel more of an obligation to be make mistakes
contactable outside of their normal working As well as the impact on the individual, it
hours, because remote working technology should be considered whether this is a healthy
means it is always possible. People are also environment for a business to thrive in.
neglecting their annual leave, as they are unable Employees who are tired and stressed out are
to travel anywhere, so feel they may as well work. more likely to make mistakes and less likely to be
Pressures at work might also be high, as many productive during the time they are working.
businesses struggle through the pandemic. A burnt out employee may also need to take

However, over time, these pressures – coupled periods off work to recover. On top of that,
with longer working hours – can cause there are also potential legal consequences for
employers who expect their
employees to be available at
any time of day or night while
they are working from home.

The right to log off is not
currently set out in UK law.
However, it may only be a
matter of time, as cases arising
in France and Ireland have been
held in favour of the employee,
with one UK company in France
being ordered to pay a former
employee €60,000 for extensive
remote working outside their
normal working hours.

PA Enterprise is published by
8 February/March 2021