Should Employees Be Expected to Answer Work Calls After Hours?
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The boundaries between work and personal life have become increasingly blurred, especially since the pandemic. Stacey and J Sbu recently tackled the contentious issue of being contacted by employers after hours, sparking a lively debate among listeners.
Many employees feel pressured to be available at all times, fearing they may be seen as uncooperative if they do not respond to work messages outside of office hours. Stacey noted that this expectation is particularly strong for senior staff, while J Sbu highlighted the anxiety caused by that late-night “ping” from the boss.
Listeners shared their own strategies for setting boundaries. Kim explained how she began ignoring after-hours calls from her manager, only responding during work hours. This approach eventually led her boss to stop calling outside of office time. Another listener, a teacher, refuses to reply to parents’ messages after leaving school, emphasising the importance of personal time.
Both hosts agreed that while some professions require after-hours availability, most employees are entitled to disconnect. Legal advice confirmed that, in South Africa, there is no law mandating after-hours work, except in emergencies.
Ultimately, the consensus was clear: setting and respecting boundaries is essential for wellbeing, and employees should not feel guilty for protecting their personal time.
Many employees feel pressured to be available at all times, fearing they may be seen as uncooperative if they do not respond to work messages outside of office hours. Stacey noted that this expectation is particularly strong for senior staff, while J Sbu highlighted the anxiety caused by that late-night “ping” from the boss.
Listeners shared their own strategies for setting boundaries. Kim explained how she began ignoring after-hours calls from her manager, only responding during work hours. This approach eventually led her boss to stop calling outside of office time. Another listener, a teacher, refuses to reply to parents’ messages after leaving school, emphasising the importance of personal time.
Both hosts agreed that while some professions require after-hours availability, most employees are entitled to disconnect. Legal advice confirmed that, in South Africa, there is no law mandating after-hours work, except in emergencies.
Ultimately, the consensus was clear: setting and respecting boundaries is essential for wellbeing, and employees should not feel guilty for protecting their personal time.
