2.26 Right to Disconnect

Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL) recognizes that changes in technology have allowed employees to be constantly connected; however, the board recognizes the right of an employee to disconnect from work outside of scheduled work hours. This policy supports our commitment to support the work-life balance of our employees.

This Policy applies to all Library employees.

Employees have the right to disconnect from their job and any work-related tasks or communication outside of regular working hours without fear of reprisal. An employee’s time outside working hours is meant for employees to recharge and spend time as they wish, and should not be used to complete work-related tasks.

The right to disconnect means that employees:

• Can and should stop performing their job duties and work-related tasks when they are not expected to work;
• Are not required to take work home with them to complete outside of regular working hours;
• Are not expected or required to respond to work-related communication outside their regular working hours, while on break, or during any paid or unpaid time off with the exception of unforeseen circumstances, such as an emergency;
• Should take and use all of their scheduled breaks and time off entitlements for non- work related activities; and
• Will not face repercussion or be penalized for not communicating or continuing to work outside of their regular working hours.

Employees who experience situations that are in contravention of this policy should seek guidance from Human Resources as to how to proceed.

CONTACT FOR INTERPRETATION

Please contact Human Resources with any questions.