Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Microsoft Ireland's work trend index provided many nuggets of information on both the positive and negative aspects of the world of work. One part of the research which jumped out at us was that one third of hybrid workers, 31%, struggle to disconnect. Naturally, this is problematic for workers because it can lead to burnout, stress and health problems. Indeed, a study from the WHO found that 745,000 people died in 2016 as a result of stroke and heart disease due to long working hours. The research from the WHO found that long working hours were estimated to be responsible for approximately one third of all work-related diseases, making them the single largest occupational disease and burden. This is why we were concerned when we saw the data from Microsoft Ireland. I know the Tánaiste is not oblivious to this issue. As he has just said, he brought forward a code of practice on the right to disconnect but it is not a right unless it is legally enshrined. Sinn Féin has brought forward a Bill to deliver a legal right to disconnect in order that these workers can be protected. These are workers who are experiencing excessive out-of-hours contact on a daily basis. This is causing untold damage to them, their friends and their families.

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