What Are Your Views On The French 'right To Switch Off' Law?

[youngmafbog]

Currently being an employee of a large American Bank that seems to think it owns your whole life I think it is an excellent law and one I would like to see here.

But I am sure others may take a different view ?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4092656/It-wait-Monday-French-managers-getting-used-new-law-forces-companies-let-staff-switch-email-not-work.html

[mikey4444]

I work from home, and my employer tried to contact me between Xmas and New Year, knowing full well that I was on holiday, the only holiday I had taken last year.

I ignored the text message and the email that followed it and answered them on Wednesday of this week.

That is the only way I know of how to cope with situations like that.

[sunny-dave]

The French initiative seems eminently reasonable - even though I spent many years on (unpaid) 24hr call for business critical IT systems, no-one ever rang me for routine stuff out of hours - they'd have been crucified (by me) in the morning.

The 365/24 availability is a nonsense and needs stopping.

[Zacs-Master]

There's a constant stream of work to do for most people. If answering a few emails on an evening or weekend takes a bit of pressure off the working day (and keeps your clients impressed) I think it's pretty silly to make it a 'law'.

[SherryBea]

It is a Law allowing them to switch off . It does not mean they have to and how the corporate systems work I doubt many will as working until you drop seems to be a sign of good character these days.

ps how can you create italics on this site ?

[sunny-dave]

Work (especially email) is often self-generating - I'd put money on each email answered 'out of hours' simply resulting in another one in your inbox the next day - in the old days, a simple phone call (in hours) could have saved the whole nonsense.

[youngmafbog]

The problem is, especially in large American Corporations is that they will penalize you if you dont answer it. That is why it needs a law.

Mind you the company I work for doesnt seem to care too much about discrimination or ageism law particularly of Middle age white males.

[chanel5]

If only it were "answering a few emails on an evening or weekend". The scenario of out-of-hours work would not be a problem. The problems occur when "a few emails" turn into the construction and proof-reading of 16 page documents to be attached to the emails; demands for non-electronic documents to be scanned and emailed as attachments; constant ringing telephones, pinging texts and callers at the door, all eating into family and relaxation time. Working hours should have a beginning, and an end. The French are right. If bosses don't respect their employees' right to their own time, they must be forced to do so, by law if necessary.

[youngmafbog]

True, but I have lost count of the number driven to breakdown trying to keep up that 'commitment'. The Company soon dumps them then.

[youngmafbog]

If you work for a Gloabl company then it can be relentless. There is always someone working who wants an answer.

Happened to me on my day off and I got clobbered by it in end of year appraisal. Seems my appointment for health reasons should come secondary.

Needless to say I shall soon be seeking alternative employment!

[Zacs-Master]

As an aside YMB, this thread throws a lot of light onto your 'elitist / fat cat / snouts in the trough' mantra. I think you need a new job as it's obviously colouring your view on life. apologies for the tangential interspersion.

[youngmafbog]

np, you are right.

[naomi24]

youngmafbog, Big American companies are notorious for 'owning' the lives of their staff, but that said, it depends on the job you do and how vital that job is to the smooth running of the business. If you're an important cog in the wheel, you will respond to messages because you know if you don't, the wheel stops revolving smoothly and that creates problems for everyone. In short, important cogs care. They have to.

[ToraToraTora]

it needs something, septics, are getting out of hand with all this pony. I also work for a bank and I for one feel sorry for the saucepans coming though, they'll have implants in there loaves before long. so glad I'm retiring soon.

[Bazile]

This is interesting ymb

I think everyone should be allowed to strike a balance between their work and private life .

I appreciate that some jobs requires one to work beyond the normal 9- 5 hours , in order for a company to operate and produce a profit , which in turn benefits it's employees and others .

However quite often pressure is placed on individuals to spend even more hours working , with the threat of - if you don't comply, then we will replace you with someone that will .

I have colleagues who arrive at work around 7am and leave 7pm .
Then when they arrive home they are still responding to emails , ( not only during weekdays , but also weekends) in their in box , for fear of not, i suspect having to answer to their superiors .
This can't be right

[TWR]

Young, how do you think HGV Drivers go on, they are monitored 24hrs a day when at work, the driver can not go for a "P" without some clown in an office asking him/ her why have they stopped.

[Zacs-Master]

Yes but that's whilst they're being paid TWR.

[TWR]

Do you Zac?

[AB Editor]

The problem with answering emails is that they usually produce more emails in return.

It seems sensible to me.

[Zacs-Master]

TWR, yes becasue you wrote 'when at work'. The debate is about continuing to work when you're not.