Smartphones, tablets, and mobile computers—handy little tools that have become indispensable in everyday work life. Many employees don’t want to do without them because they allow them to get their work done regardless of time or place. Many desire this flexibility to better balance their personal and professional lives and don’t mind being reachable even outside of regular working hours.
But constant availability takes a toll on health, even when employees have chosen it themselves. This is suggested by the findings of a study by the Health and Work Initiative (iga). The iga is a joint initiative of the statutory health and accident insurance providers. People who are constantly available find it harder to relax, cannot switch off, continue to think about work even when in bed, and sleep less well. It makes no difference whether someone is voluntarily available outside of working hours or whether their boss requires it.
For the sake of your partner
Employees should disconnect more often for the sake of their health and those around them. This is because partners also suffer from their significant others’ constant availability. For example, 62 percent felt restricted by their partner’s availability. More than half noticed restrictions affecting their children in particular. Partners were also asked about positive effects, such as a better work-life balance. On balance, the negative effects slightly outweighed the positive ones for them.
With our working hours campaign“My Life – My Time: Rethinking Work!”, we aim to support employees in taking more control over their time and gaining flexibility without compromising their health or personal lives. Employees’ preferences and needs regarding working hours vary depending on their life circumstances. In this regard, we have three primary goals: Work must be fair, secure, and self-determined.
