Last November, Slovenia enacted the right to disconnect (Article 142.a) through an amendment to the Employment Relationships Act (ZDR-1). This right is becoming increasingly important in today’s work environment, where digital technologies enable constant connectivity between employers and employees, which can lead to excessive workloads, stress, and, consequently, burnout.
The right to disconnect (also known as the “right to switch off”) is the right that ensures that an employee will not be available to the employer while exercising the right to rest or during authorized absences from work in accordance with the law, a collective bargaining agreement, or a general regulation. To this end, the employer must take appropriate measures to enable employees to disconnect from work obligations after the end of the workday, including receiving and responding to emails, calls, messages, and other forms of work related to the use of technology.
Employers are required to implement appropriate measures to ensure the right to disconnect by November 16, 2024, as they may otherwise face a fine, as noted by the Ministry of Labor, Family, Social Affairs, and Equal Opportunities.