Nowadays, due to the advancement of technology, it has become very easy to contact a person. It can be done via a phone call, a text message, or an email. Some employers use these technologies to their benefit by contacting employees outside of working hours. Some might argue that this practice is convenient for employers as they don’t have to wait till the next workday to contact their staff. However, I would argue that this practice is extremely disadvantageous for the employees and increases workplace toxicity.
Some argue that contacting employees outside of working hours has its benefits such as increased productivity, flexibility, and responsivity. Often, a team gets stuck on a task because the person responsible for getting it done is on leave. The task might get done faster if other team members were able to contact that person, thus increasing productivity. Additionally, the increased connectivity can come in handy in emergency situations, where the quick response from a particular employee might help solve the problem. Furthermore, it can be convenient for managers to make announcements on a group email, or group chat instead of waiting for the workday.
However, critics argue that constantly contacting employees in their free time is an exploitative practice, which can lead to fatigue and increased stress among the staff. It is essential for every
Professional to maintain a work-life balance to live a healthy life. Being constantly bombarded by messages and emails from work while on vacation or on sick leave can increase stress levels and lead to burnout. Additionally, the employees often do not get paid for the extra work they do outside the office hours. Demanding someone to do unpaid work on an official leave is not ethical even if it is a minor task.
In conclusion, even though contacting employees outside the office might sound efficient and convenient in terms of workflow, it is harmful to the mental health of the employees and also extremely exploitative. In my opinion, Governments should impose a strict ban on this practice, especially in professions where urgent action is not required.