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Scissors that cut an Ethernet cable to symbolize the right to disconnect at work

Everything you need to know about the right to disconnect for employees during the summer

March 20, 2024

Despite a profound need to take a break and disconnect from work, a study conducted by Qapa in 2020 brought to light that 71% of French people tend to check their professional emails and/or answer calls during the holidays. The increasing presence of screens and social networks is no stranger to this figure, which has increased in recent years. These elements tend to significantly degrade the quality of rest and to increase the number of employees affected by a phenomenon of overwork and burn-out.

In order to improve the quality of life at work, some companies are now taking the lead and implementing measures to Encourage disconnection during the vacation period. A relaxed and fulfilled employee will be better able to return to the office, more motivated and more productive than ever!

What is the right to disconnect?

The right to disconnect has come into force since January 1, 2017, under the Labor law. This right implies for an employee not to be in contact with his employer outside of working hours and during vacations. It is the guarantee of cut off and disconnect from the professional sphere temporarily to focus more on her personal life. This right to disconnect from your phone, tablet and internet was put in place in order to protect employees and their rest time, provided for by the Labor Code.

All employees are concerned, both those who work in a traditional office and those who work in a coworking space or teleworking. However, executives are more affected by the risk of being permanently connected. because of their important responsibilities. Teleworking employees also experience some difficulties in Set boundaries between work time and personal life.

In practice, the employer has the obligation to set up a charter in collaboration with the company's social and economic committee. The aim of this one is to Establish the practical modalities of the right to disconnect and to implement internal actions to raise awareness and train more on the subject.

Retour au bureau d'une salariée après ses congés d'été

An increasingly present digital context

The digital barometer 2022 edition brings precise figures on the relationship of French people with their telephone. 87% of people have a smartphone and this object has become more and more present in everyone's daily lives, whether it's passing the time during public transport or waiting in line at the supermarket.

The development of new technologies information and communication, digital tools and socio-professional media contribute to making employees more connected in everyday life. As part of the evolution of working methods, The border between personal and professional life may become thin.

Improving the quality of life at work for employees by disconnecting

In order to protect the health (physical and psychological) of their teams, employers have the possibility to put certain actions in place in the workplace to promote disconnection. And that means not trying to contact an employee by phone or email for a work-related question and/or designating a person in charge of an employee's files while on vacation. An automatic response email can also indicate the employee's vacation dates. However, in practice, only 23% of businesses have created a charter of good email practices and 16% of the disconnection rules.

How do I reconnect when I return from vacation?

The return of vacation can be a source of stress and anxiety, whether you are a freelancer, a start-up or an SME. In order to promote a smooth recovery after a period away from the office, it is necessary to take the time to keep up to date with the latest news and to get back into the swing of things by giving. a new meaning to its daily missions.

The role of the employer is also to focus on The concept of collective and to demonstrate to everyone their essential role in the company in order to increase their motivation. Sometimes, boosting the motivation of employees when they return from vacation also involves increasing remuneration and annual bonuses.

In any case, it is essential to favor an ergonomic, bright, airy and optimized work environment (whether it is a private office or an open space) [ Read also The benefits of natural light in the workplace ] to create all the conditions conducive to well-being and development at work. The return from vacation will only be better welcomed and experienced by company employees. Finally, it is an effective way to stimulate their productivity, motivation and creativity on a daily basis, qualities essential to the development of a company.

Flashoffice stands alongside businesses of all sizes to improve the quality of life at work for employees in places that are optimized and adapted to new ways of working. New technologies are present in these modern spaces to work in good conditions, but relaxation areas (rest room, gym, terraces, etc.) are also available on site to promote disconnection and well-being [Read also: The guide to boosting employee well-being ] of each.