The introduction of a “Right to Switch Off” policy marks a progressive step towards enhancing employee wellbeing and productivity, according to recent research. The study, involving 2,000 UK employees, sheds light on the critical importance of work-life balance and the current challenges faced. Key findings reveal the negative impacts of poor work-life boundaries and suggest comprehensive organizational responsibility. Crucial changes are needed, beyond the policy, to foster a sustainable work environment. This initiative presents a significant opportunity for organizations to transform employee management practices.
The planned “Right to Switch Off” policy signifies a pivotal move towards recognizing the importance of employee wellbeing and productivity. This initiative serves as a foundation to address the pervasive issue of unboundaried work as highlighted by recent research from Protime UK. Conducted among 2,000 UK employees, the study underscores that 93% of employees find work-life balance essential for good overall wellbeing. However, it also reveals that 67% of them struggle to fully disengage from work, indicating a significant gap in maintaining healthy work-life boundaries.
The research highlights the widespread negative consequences of poor work-life balance. Approximately 41% of employees report daily or weekly detriments to their wellbeing, with 65% experiencing these effects monthly or more frequently. Compounding this issue is the average of 5.4 days of sickness absence taken by employees over the last year due to stress, anxiety, or burnout, with only 26% having never taken such leave.
A critical factor contributing to this issue is the barrage of unwanted messages and alerts outside working hours. According to the survey, 58% of employees admit that refraining from checking work emails outside of working hours is challenging, and 54% suggest that eliminating push notifications is a vital step towards mental disengagement from work.
Additionally, the responsibility for maintaining work-life boundaries appears to rest heavily on organizations. About 62% of employees feel it is the manager’s duty to ensure there is mental disengagement from work outside working hours, and 59% believe organizations must enforce these boundaries rigorously.
The “Right to Disconnect”, similar to Ireland’s policy, is overwhelmingly supported by employees, with 72% backing its introduction. Employees believe it would markedly enhance their work-life balance, which further emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to managing employee wellbeing. Despite these findings, only 11% of employees rate their employer’s management of wellbeing as very good, while a considerable proportion, 26%, claim there is no substantial support for their wellbeing.
Ultimately, the research suggests a lack of a comprehensive approach to managing employee wellbeing among organizations, with less than 21% implementing initiatives like consultation on realistic work volumes or setting clear work-life boundaries. Simon Garrity from Protime emphasizes that while the “Right to Switch Off” is a crucial step, it must be accompanied by broader strategic changes, including policy, culture, and practical tools, to truly enhance productivity and employee wellness.
The “Right to Switch Off” is a promising start but requires a concerted effort from organizations to create a holistic support system for employee wellbeing.
