The European Commission is advancing the introduction of workers right to disconnect and fair telework by launching second-stage talks with social partners. These discussions aim to gather insights on a potential EU initiative to mitigate the risks of an always-on work culture and to ensure quality telework for employees. Social partners are invited to express their views on:
- Workers right to disconnect;
- Fair and quality telework, including non-discrimination, access to equipment, data protection, and monitoring;
- Occupational safety and health.
Telework in the EU has doubled since 2019, with one in five Europeans (20.3%) working from home at least part of the time in 2024.
Digital tools offer flexibility for both workers and employers in organizing work, allowing for greater autonomy and innovative working methods. However, this flexibility has also led to an always-on work culture, where working at any time may become an expectation. As a result, there are increasing demands for a right to disconnect and measures to protect workers rights amidst digitalization.
This second-stage consultation follows a first-stage consultation held from April to June 2024. Social partners are asked to respond by 6 October 2025. After this consultation, social partners may engage in negotiations or the Commission may analyze the feedback and consider EU-level action while respecting national competencies.
Background
This consultation is a follow-up to the European Parliaments 2021 call for action on the right to disconnect and remote work. It aligns with President von der Leyens Political Guidelines for 2024-2029, which announce a new Action Plan for implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights, including initiatives on AI management, telework, and mental health.
In 2024, the Commission released a study examining the social, economic, and legal aspects of telework and the right to disconnect in the context of digitalization and post-COVID-19 trends. This study is based on extensive input from national administrations, social partners, experts, and academia, and will inform the preparation of EU action alongside the results of this consultation. The Commission is currently conducting a second study to further analyze the benefits and impacts of potential EU action.
For More Information
Consultation document: second-phase consultation of social partners
Analytical document accompanying the second-stage consultation