Right To Disconnect

Did you know on June 2nd, 2022, Bill 27, also known as the Working For Workers Act, came into effect in Ontario? In this act, there is a focus on a worker's Right to Disconnect. Here are some of the main points from our own policy to share with you in helping the AlphaKORians disconnect.

Right to Disconnect Overview

We sent out a copy of AlphaKOR's Right to Disconnect policy to the Team and it was well-received.  It was mentioned at a previous monthly team discussion and there were no major concerns raised.  The overview of the policy is to help achieve a healthy and sustainable work-life balance.  The health and well-being of the Team are of the utmost importance.  AlphaKOR recognizes every employee is entitled to disconnect while outside their regularly scheduled time to work.

The Policy Highlights

Bill 27 Working for Workers Act encourages and supports you in balancing your working and personal lives whether you work traditional hours at home or at the office.  To unplug from work means not engaging in work-related communications such as phone calls, texts and e-mails.   No one is expected to work more than a productive Standard Work Week. The Company is committed to a Standard Work Week and does not support the informal extension of your workday or week with an ‘always on’ work culture.  However, in an unusual or extraordinary circumstance where overtime may be required, your willingness to work additional hours is appreciated and your time will be handled in accordance with the Overtime policy.

Outside of Regular Business Hours

We support and encourage the AlphaKORians' to disconnect outside of Regular Business Hours.  While some employees have a range of work devices that provide flexibility to work from various locations, these devices are not provided to create an expectation of working outside of Regular Business Hours.  For most of the Team, these devices can be turned off outside of Regular Business Hours. For those who are formally on-call or on standby, appropriate allowances are provided.

Meetings

We ask those calling meetings to avoid doing so during standard break times. The Team should not be placed in the position of feeling obliged to forego their break to attend Company meetings.  Meetings must only be scheduled during Core Hours and only participants whose attendance is necessary should be invited.

Vacation Time

AlphaKOR encourages all employees to take their allotted vacation each year. The Company supports and encourages to disconnect on your vacation. While some have a range of work devices that provide flexibility to work from various locations, these devices are not provided to create an expectation of working during vacation time.  These devices can be turned off outside of Regular Business Hours. For those who are formally on-call or on standby, appropriate allowances are provided.

Business As Usual

As we continue to deal with our changing world, we need to get back to basics and support each other.   Creating a culture where everyone can unplug outside of business hours again will result in a healthier environment.  During most of this pandemic, this was not the norm as everyone was readily available all the time and there was nowhere to get away.  With things opening up, it is time to make time to unplug.

What is your organization doing to encourage your Team to disconnect?

(Originally published on 06.15.22)