The Oireachtas has approved a Bill that grants new rights to employees with the aim of supporting a better work-life balance.
The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022 aims to provide employees with a better balance between family, work, and caregiving responsibilities.
The legislation will implement a number of measures to improve family-friendly work practises, including the right for parents and carers to request flexible work. In addition, it will introduce unpaid medical leave and paid leave for victims of domestic violence.
The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022 includes the following provisions:
- The right of parents and carers to request flexible working hours.
- All employees have the right to request remote work.
- Five days paid leave for domestic violence victims.
- Five days unpaid leave for medical care for parents and carers of children under the age of 12.
- Breastfeeding breaks up until a child is two years of age.
Work-life balance refers to the balance that exists between a person’s professional and personal life. Achieving a proper work-life balance is critical for the overall well-being and happiness of individuals, families, and society as a whole.
In recent years, long working hours and a lack of work-life balance have been linked to negative effects on individuals’ physical and mental health. An inadequate work life balance can increase the risk of burnout, which can lead to physical and mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and even cardiovascular disease.
Leisure activities, socialising with friends and family, and adequate rest are critical for avoiding burnout and maintaining good health. Achieving work-life balance can increase productivity and job satisfaction. When employees are overworked and overwhelmed, they are more likely to make mistakes, miss deadlines, and experience job dissatisfaction.
On the other hand, when employees have a healthy work-life balance, they are more likely to be productive, engaged, and satisfied with their work. This, in turn, can lead to improved performance, increased job satisfaction, and better job retention.
The Work-Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022 will now go to the President to be signed into law. While it is unclear when this new law will come into effect, it is expected to have a significant impact for employers. To prepare for the upcoming changes, organisations should now begin reviewing their remote and flexible working policies and procedures.
Please get in touch with Geraldine at Core Resource for your business to be prepared and ready for the new changes coming in on 087 7743205 / geraldine@coreresource.ie
