Does your working day truly end when you switch off your laptop or begin your commute home, or do you continue responding to emails and messages after leaving the office?
Among other employment-related initiatives, some countries in Europe have already introduced the ‘Right to Switch Off’—a legal measure that prohibits employers from contacting employees outside of working hours. The goal is to protect workers’ wellbeing by ensuring they have time to fully disconnect from work.
Cyprus is still in the early stages of implementing similar policies, though recent developments suggest that the introduction of the “Right to Disconnect” law, as part of the 2023 Remote Work Law, may signal the start of a broader shift towards protecting employees’ personal time. In this article, we explore what this law means and how the ‘Right to Switch Off’ could potentially impact wellbeing in Cyprus.
What Is the ‘Right to Switch Off’?
The ‘Right to Switch Off’ is a concept aimed at protecting employees from constant work-related interruptions outside of their contracted hours. The introduction of this right allows workers to disconnect from work communications—such as emails and messages—without the expectation of immediate responses.
The law, passed in Cyprus in November 2023, grants remote workers the right to disconnect from work-related communication during their off-hours. It ensures that they are not obligated to check emails, answer calls, or respond to messages outside their scheduled working hours, promoting work-life balance and reducing burnout.
Though not yet universally adopted, other countries like France have already implemented similar measures, recognizing the importance of mental health and wellbeing. In Cyprus, it remains to be seen how widely this law will be enforced and how it will be integrated into workplace cultures.
Does Logging Off Truly Mean Switching Off?
While the focus on employee wellbeing has gained momentum—especially following the pandemic—many workers still find it challenging to fully disconnect, particularly with the rise of hybrid and flexible work arrangements. These setups often allow employees to work from anywhere and at any time, which, while providing flexibility, can blur the lines between work and personal time.
Although the ‘Right to Disconnect’ is not mandatory in Cyprus, employers are encouraged to follow guidelines set out in the Remote Work Law and integrate these practices into their workplace codes of conduct. This change would signal a cultural shift, encouraging employers to respect boundaries and support the mental health of their employees.
Why Employers Must Support Staff to Switch Off
It’s encouraging that the Cypriot government is considering employee wellbeing, as workplace stress continues to be a growing concern. While the law itself isn’t yet a strict mandate, it provides an opportunity for employers to reassess how they handle out-of-hours communication, supporting a culture that encourages employees to take time off without the pressure of ongoing work.
Here are a few key ways employers can support employees in switching off:
1. Ensure Managers Set Clear Communication Boundaries
Often, the pressure to respond outside of working hours starts at the top. If managers frequently send emails or messages late at night or over weekends, it’s likely their teams will follow suit. Encourage managers to communicate expectations around response times and consider using email scheduling features to ensure messages arrive during regular working hours.
2. Support Flexible Working Hours
As more employees in Cyprus work flexibly, it’s essential to communicate working hours clearly. Encouraging staff to add their working hours to email signatures can ensure everyone is on the same page and help set expectations. For those working part-time or condensed hours, ensuring they are not contacted during their days off is crucial.
3. Set Expectations Around After-Hours Communication
Clearly defining when staff should or shouldn’t be checking work-related emails is important. In cases where after-hours communication is necessary, implementing a rotation system can help share the responsibility across teams. Encouraging staff to use “Do Not Disturb” functions on messaging apps and respecting annual leave ensures employees fully disconnect during time off.
The Road Ahead: Will Cyprus Follow the Trend?
As the ‘Right to Disconnect’ concept gains traction across Europe, the new law in Cyprus provides a positive step toward safeguarding employees’ personal time. By supporting staff to switch off, companies are not only helping to improve wellbeing but also enhancing long-term productivity and engagement. However, the full impact of the law remains to be seen, as it will depend on how it is implemented within companies and whether further legislative developments are introduced.
In the meantime, employers in Cyprus are encouraged to start integrating these best practices into their workplace culture, ensuring employees can enjoy a healthier work-life balance and ultimately lead to improved mental and physical health.