What should a fair balance between work and private life look like in Slovakia?
The right to disconnect is no longer a futuristic vision, but a practical issue in today’s workplace. Digital tools give us the freedom to work from anywhere, yet at the same time they push us toward constant availability. We should not seek a solution in extremes, but in clearly defined boundaries and fair rules.
Examples from abroad show that a path forward exists: France has relied on agreements within companies, Spain has linked disconnection to privacy protection, Ireland has introduced a practical code of conduct, and Belgium has adopted a strict approach in the public sector. The common denominator is predictability—the employee knows when they have time off, and the employer knows when they can expect a response.
In Slovakia, the Labor Code already addresses rest periods and remote work, but a general right to disconnect is still lacking. There is room, in particular, for clear internal rules that distinguish between regular positions and managerial roles, and protect both health and performance without unnecessary bureaucracy.
The future is about compromise: healthy boundaries, accountability during work hours, and flexibility in necessary situations. Not strict bans, but reasonable guidelines that work in practice.
