Town employees could have a new policy to rely on when it comes to unplugging from the office.
During Monday’s (May 5) corporate and community services committee meeting, councillors got a look at the town’s new Disconnect from Work policy.
“This policy is meant to encourage and support employees in balancing their working and personal lives and prioritizing their own well-being by making them conscious of their ability to disconnect from work where possible,” noted Melissa McCuaig, acting executive director of customer and corporate services in her report to councillors.
In December 2021, the Ontario government passed Bill 27 which requires employers with 25 or more employees to have a written policy with respect to disconnecting from work. Employers have until June 2 to have a written policy in place.
“Disconnecting from work means to not engage in work-related communications, including emails, telephone calls, video calls or the sending or reviewing of other messages, so as to be free from the performance of work,” notes the new policy.
According to the policy, working hours are determined through individual employment contracts, however employees will now be directed to be mindful of colleagues’ working hours and notify supervisors or managers of any right or entitlement (such as breaks, overtime or vacation) they were unable to exercise and why.
A mechanism for reporting concerns to a direct supervisor about disconnecting from work is also outlined.
The committee voted to recommend adopting the new policy with no discussion. The decision will need to be ratified at the next regular meeting of council.
You can read the proposed policy here.
