Germany: Employment Minister urges businesses to adopt “clear regulations” on the use of cell phones and computers outside of working hours

Soaring sick leaves.  Should employees read their work emails on their BlackBerry or computer during their free time?  Should they answer if their boss calls them during the weekend?  Since Ursula von der Leyen has given her thoughts on the matter, the debate on the impact new information technologies have on the labor world has been reopened in Germany.  Studies show that it isn’t an isolated problem.  Bitkom, the employers’ federation representing the information technology, telecommunications and new media industry, claims that 88 percent of people who work can be reached via email or on their cell outside of working hours.  Yet, the Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists says the number of sick leaves with mental causes has doubled over the last decade – which is allegedly costing businesses about €4 billion a year.
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ave on the labor world has been reopened in Germany. Studies show that it isn’t an isolated problem. Bitkom, the employers’ federation representing the information technology, telecommunications and new media industry, claims that 88 percent of people who work can be reached via email or on their cell outside of working hours. Yet, the Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists says the number of sick leaves with mental causes has doubled over the last decade – which is allegedly costing businesses

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