Can you tell your employer, "Don't call me?"
According to research, one in five young employees must be reachable at all times by their employer. https://www.baaz.nl/een-op-vijf-jonge-werknemer-moet-altijd-bereikbaar-zijn-van-werkgever
What does the law say?
In the Netherlands, unlike in France, for example, there is no legal right to inaccessibility. Legislation on this point also does not seem to be forthcoming any time soon. However, more and more collective bargaining agreements do state that you must actually be able to enjoy your time off without being called by your employer. This is already included, for example, in the collective bargaining agreements for home care, child and disability care, and nursing.
Work-life balance
But even if there is no legislation or nothing about it in your collective bargaining agreement, the law does state that your employer must act as a good employer. And a good employer does not bother employees outside working hours if it is not really necessary. If this does happen and it bothers you because you need to rest in your free time, then discuss it. The Working Conditions Act states that your employer must limit psychosocial workload.
That includes the fact that when you are free, you can actually be free.
This blog was written by Mr. Stijn Blom, employment lawyer at Arbeidsadvocaat.nl B.V. Stijn has extensive experience in employment law and assists entrepreneurs daily with a wide range of employment-related matters. From dismissal cases to drafting watertight contracts and policies – with his practical and personal approach, he helps employers and employees move forward. Want to know more?Visit Stijn's page.
Arbeidsadvocaat.nl is happy to think with you if you have questions about working conditions. Please feel free to contact us.
January 2025
