Disconnected, by law

It is forbidden to send work-related e-mails outside working hours. France recognises by law, from January 1, the right of workers to digital disconnection; that is to turn off the phone outside working hours and not answer any e-mail message or call, even from the boss. In a just a few years, the Internet and new technologies have revolutionised the way we work; they have created jobs but have also obliterated the line between our professional and private lives. The French labour reform wants to put limits the negative impact of new technologies on the health of workers.

Exhaustion from work stress and burn-out is now the country's number one health problem, soaring 67% since 2010. Only two out of ten workers disconnect the phone when they leave the office. And seven out of ten continue to receive and answer emails and messages, even at night or during the holidays. This, despite workers recognising the damage they are bringing on themselves.

Article 55 of labour minister Myriam El Khomri's controversial labour reform had until now gone unnoticed. But now, for the first time, the law recognises the legal right of workers to disconnect from work. Starting this year, companies are required to regulate the use of mobiles and ensuring a balance between professional life and family.

There is criticism that the law is not specific enough, leaving the door open to negotiation by unions and employers on an almost case by case level, but the intention is clear. In fact, some larger companies had already implemented similar policies following the rise in work-related suicides in recent years.