MEPs call for an EU fundamental right to disconnect

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have passed an initiative with 472 votes in favour and 126 against to call on the European Commission to propose legislation that enables individuals who work digitally to disconnect outside their working hours. The initiative also requires minimum standards and clarification for remote working, hours, and rest periods. MEPs consider that ‘the combination of long working hours and higher demands also leads to more cases of anxiety, depression, burnout and other mental and physical health issues.’ Therefore, the fundamental right to disconnect shall allow workers to abstain from phone calls, emails, and any other digital communication outside working hours.