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Implement the right to digital disconnection in your company

digital disconnection right

In this post we will talk about digital disconnection: measures to implement this right in the company culture.The right to digital disconnection is the right of employees not to answer calls, emails or messages outside working hours. Although this legal text was drafted in 2018, many companies have yet to implement it in 2021. Moreover, the context of Covid-19 and the need for teleworking has blurred the boundaries between the working day and workers' personal time. In this article we summarise some of the key aspects of the RD-Law on telework and give some tips and data to incorporate this law into the culture of the organisation in 2021.

What does the law on the right to digital disconnection say?

The legal text can be summarised as follows:

  1. Employees shall have the right to digital disconnection in order to ensure that their rest time is respected.
  2. The modalities for the exercise of this right shall depend on the nature and purpose of the employment relationship.
  3. The employer shall draw up an internal policy defining the modalities for the exercise of the right to disconnection and the training and awareness-raising actions necessary for the protection of workers.

As we explained in our blog on Happiness and productivity at work, there are psychological studies whose data show that happy workers are the most productive. Companies that invest in it, make an effort to develop this area and work on emotions and affections, end up improving the productivity of their team: they get better results than companies that neglect this facet.

Telework regulation comes into effect

In addition, given the boom in teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic, the regulation on teleworking has recently been published(you can read the text of the BOE here). This regulation specifies that teleworking will be voluntary and implies certain obligations on the part of the company, such as compensating workers for the costs related to equipment and means necessary for the development of their activity during their working day.

How can we incorporate this law into the culture of the organisation?

Transforming a company's culture is a long process, but simple measures can be adapted to promote change. Below, we share some initiatives to put into practice.

Understanding the motivations behind this right

In order to adapt a new law, it is advisable to understand and convey the reasons for its creation and its legal framework. In this case, the telework law was created with the aim of respecting the person's rest time. In this way, the company could avoid the burnout syndrome and at the same time reduce staff turnover.

Communicate changes at the operational level

There is a need to communicate how this measure may impact on the way of working. For example, some companies have taken the decision that workers will not be able to go online at certain times, such as weekends and public holidays. In order to achieve the right to disconnect, the company can create training and awareness-raising actions on the subject, showing the importance and benefits of respecting the team's private time.

Measuring team satisfaction and well-being

It is key to measure the satisfaction of the team and to listen to their opinions about it. To do this, we recommend establishing direct communication channels and sending out satisfaction surveys on a regular basis.

"Having a culture of respect for labour rights (including the right to digital disconnection) in place boosts your employer branding. Visit the following post if you want to learn more about employer branding".

Final conclusions

In short, respecting our team's private time will promote the well-being of the organisation and directly affect their happiness and the company's results. This is demonstrated by a study by the University of Warwick which states that happy employees are 12% more productive.

"When people are invested financially, they want a return. When people are invested emotionally, they want to contribute." - Simon Sinek

In 2021, there are already software and platforms that help you promote and monitor workers' digital detox plans during their working day. Notifications can be sent to promote breaks, time management, intoxication protection tips or assistance to facilitate digital cleaning habits and turn these actions into valuable data for the company.