New Disconnect Bill Gives Employees Freedom to Ignore Bosses After Working Hours

Your boss might get arrested for calling you after office hours or during weekends. The ‘Employment (Amendment)” Bill, 2021 proposed by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has put a smile on many Kenyan employees' faces already. 

The bill gives an employee the privilege to disconnect from work after working hours and creates a healthy work-life balance. In a country where cases of depression among employees due to work pressure and burnout have been reported, this bill might be a glimmer of hope.

Employees will be legally protected from losing their job or any other measure that the Boss might take if they chose to ignore calls/ emails after working hours. This will apply to every other case except in exceptional circumstances. Portugal and Belgium are among the European countries that have already effected this law. 

 This bill aims to tackle the unending demands of professional life. This Bill has been implemented in a couple of countries across the globe and France is the most recent country to put it into effect. 
Germany, Italy, and Spain are other leading countries that have called for the review of labor codes to pave way for this bill.

Why is the Disconnect Bill Important?

It Creates Room for Unwinding /Downtime
The need to recharge is just as important in human beings as it is in any other specifies. Rest is a key part of the life cycle of humans. Disconnecting helps you get some entertainment, relaxation, and generally a change of scenery from the busy corporate world.

Enhanced Performance
People can best work when they are not tired and at ease. Statistics do show that employees who spend their leisure time rejuvenating tend to be more productive than those who work overtime. It’s just nature’s way of life. The more rest you get, the more re-energized you’ll be later on.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Surveys show that many employees who have work-life imbalance are at a higher risk of suffering from anxiety-related disorders. Heart ailments, obesity, and lack of appetite are some of the complications brought about by working long hours.

Improved Social Relations
Work pressure is so intense that it has permanently destroyed people relations at home. Couples have no time to bond with each other and their kids. They grow distant since everyone always has a busy schedule somewhere and is never at home. This has caused many families to break down due to a lack of communication and social time together.

The Bill has already met obstacles from the Ministry of Labor and the Federation of Kenyan Employers. Most Kenyans however, are optimistic about finally getting rest from the never-ending ‘urgent work” calls and emails on weekends and after work hours.