Teleworking such as working from home may lead to long working hours, and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's study group should set certain rules on holidays and late-night business communication with reference to the so-called "right to disconnect". I summarized.
While telework has spread due to the spread of the new coronavirus, it is difficult to distinguish between work and life time, and there are concerns that it may lead to long working hours.
A study group established by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, which is made up of experts, has been discussing the ideal way of teleworking since August, and compiled a report calling for a review of the national guidelines on the 23rd.
Among these, it is important for companies to properly grasp the working hours of teleworking employees in order to eliminate cases where long working hours and working hours are reported less than they actually are.
After that, referring to the so-called "right to disconnect" that allows workers to refuse business contact outside working hours, which is stipulated in France, the company and employees discuss the ideal way of contact on holidays and late at night and set certain rules. It is also effective to set it up.
In addition, it is important to create an environment where employees can easily consult with their bosses, colleagues, industrial physicians, etc. online, and to confirm and improve whether the work environment such as PC layout and lighting is appropriate. ..
He also points out that since the rate of teleworking by non-regular employees is lower than that of regular employees, it is necessary to be careful not to divide the teleworking target only because of the difference in employment form.
Based on this report, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare hopes to review the telework guidelines and make them known to companies within this year.