In 2025, the issue of the right to disconnect (Right to Disconnect) will be discussed again between Poland and the EU. Will new regulations come into effect in Poland that will allow employees to effectively disconnect from work obligations after working hours? Representatives from Poland will discuss this issue before the EU Employment and Social Affairs Committee. Analyzing the impact of digitalization on the way we work.
🌍 What is the right to disconnect?
The Right to Disconnect is a concept aimed at ensuring employees maintain a healthy work-life balance. In the era of remote work and constant connectivity, more and more people are struggling with the lack of boundaries between work and personal time. The introduction of such a law is a response to the issues of burnout and stress that can result from work overload.
📜 Current regulations in Poland
According to the current provisions of the Labor Code, employees are guaranteed an 11-hour daily rest and a 35-hour weekly rest. This applies regardless of the work time system, including the task-based system.
🔸 Practical example: If an employer asks an employee to perform a task during overtime hours that does not violate their right to rest, the employee is obligated to carry out the task. On the other hand, if they choose to ignore the request, the employer may take disciplinary action.
⚖️ What may change?
New regulations regarding the right to disconnect aim to protect employees from excessive stress and reduce the risk of burnout. In many countries such as France, Germany, and Australia, such laws are already in place. Ensuring employees have the right to be offline after working hours.
What does this mean in practice? If an employer attempts to contact an employee outside of the established working hours, and the employee is “offline,” there will be no consequences. This allows for the protection of privacy and the mental well-being of employees. 🧘♀️
🤔 Benefits and challenges for employees and employers
Benefits for employees from the right to disconnect:
- More time for rest, relaxation, and personal life.
- Protection against burnout and stress related to constant availability.
- Better work-life balance.
For employers:
- Limiting employee availability may affect company productivity.
- Difficulties in managing employees in hybrid and remote work models.
- A shift in mindset and organization of work will be needed across many industries.
🔮 What’s next?
All these changes will be discussed within the EU framework. Will similar regulations come into effect in Poland? This is a question that we will surely follow in the coming months. However, one thing is certain: the right to disconnect has the potential to become one of the most important elements of future labor policy.
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