Firms must have flexibility with right to disconnect
The Government’s proposal to grant workers inthe “right to disconnect” has raised concerns about the need for flexibility in its implementation. Experts, including Ben Willmott from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, said it is important that any new right to switch off is introduced with “sufficient flexibility” with sector-specific demands taken into account. The initiative aims to prevent the blurring of work and home life, as stated by the Prime Minister’s spokesperson. However, Joanne Leach from Lawrence Stephens warned that the right to disconnect could conflict with right to work flexibly of other employees. She suggested practical measures, such as delaying email communications outside office hours, to manage these competing interests. The policy may also lead to increased scrutiny during recruitment, says James Lavan, executive director at legal recruitment firm Buchanan Law, as firms try to ensure they are hiring people who will be willing to go above and beyond.
