Taking breaks from work increases productivity - No 10

Downing Street has emphasized that the right to disconnect from work outside of office hours is crucial for productivity and could enhance the UK's economic growth. The government plans to introduce a "right to switch off" to prevent homes from becoming "24/7 offices." 

Ministers are looking at examples from countries like Ireland and Belgium, where workers already have the "right to disconnect," meaning they are not routinely contacted by their employers or expected to work beyond their regular hours. 

A deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister noted, "This is about ensuring people have time to rest. Good employers recognize that, to keep workers motivated and productive, they need to be able to switch off. Cultivating a culture of presenteeism can actually hurt productivity."

Productivity measures how much work is accomplished in a given time frame, and experts consider it crucial for increasing wages and improving living standards. The Prime Minister’s deputy spokesperson emphasized the goal of ensuring "we’re not unintentionally blurring the boundaries between work and home life."

She added, "Supporting growth is a central mission of the government, and productivity is key to that growth. We need to balance the benefits of flexible working practices, which became prominent after the pandemic, with having proper arrangements to maintain productivity."

The proposed plans will not be a "one size fits all" solution and will take into account the varying needs of companies and roles, she noted.

In Ireland, a Code of Practice mandates that employers must discuss and implement a "right to disconnect" policy with employees and unions, outlining when employees can be contacted outside regular working hours. Similarly, Belgium requires companies with at least 20 employees to establish agreements on the right to disconnect.

The right to switch off is part of Labour's proposed "New Deal for Working People," which includes various reforms to workers' rights. Employees might have the option to bring their employers to a tribunal if their employment conditions are violated, such as being contacted outside agreed working hours. However, government sources indicated that different sectors have unique needs, and this will be reflected in individual contracts.