The City of Windsor wants its employees to disconnect from work when their not on the job. That includes not answering emails, phone calls, video calls or messages when they are off the clock.
A new procedure goes to City Council on Monday.
The city has until Thursday to bring in the new policy. It is required for all employers with more than 25 workers under changes to the Employment Standards Act. Bill 27, the Working for Workers Act, received Royal Assent last December.
Human Resources consulted with other departments to draft the new procedure, and it covers even workers generally excluded from the Employment Standards Act.
"Administration recognizes the importance of disconnecting from work and is instituting this procedure to protect employees from excessive work time demands and safeguard their need for rest, recovery, and opportunities to take care of personal responsibilities," read the report.
City leaders are being asked to be a good example.
However, the report acknowledges, "there may be situations or emergencies that may arise where it is not possible to deal with matters during normal working hours. Employees may be required to work outside of their regular hours of work in some circumstances."
