In the modern working world, there is often no longer a clear distinction between work and leisure time. Many employees are always available thanks to technologies such as smartphones and laptops and feel obliged to respond to employer requests outside of regular working hours. However, more and more companies are realizing that it is important to draw a clear line between work and leisure time and are therefore making it a priority to ensure that their employees are no longer reachable after work.

The principle of "private is private - company is company" is an important step in this direction. It means that employees are encouraged not to answer or write business emails in their free time. Companies such as Volkswagen and Daimler have even completely stopped their email service at the weekend to give their employees a break.

But why is this important? For one thing, it has many advantages for the employees themselves. The clear separation of work and leisure time allows them to relax and switch off better. They can devote themselves to their hobbies and interests, spend time with their family or simply relax. This leads to a better sense of well-being and greater job satisfaction.

On the other hand, the companies themselves also benefit from this regulation. A clear separation of work and leisure time means that employees come into the office the next day feeling rested and motivated. They have more energy and can concentrate better, which leads to higher productivity and better work results. Employee loyalty is also strengthened, as employees feel that their employer values their free time and well-being.

However, there are also situations in which it is necessary for employees to be available outside of regular working hours. In such cases, however, clear rules and agreements should be made. For example, an on-call duty can be agreed where employees can be reached in an emergency but can otherwise enjoy their free time.

The principle of "private is private - company is company" is an important step towards a healthy work-life balance. It ensures that employees can recover better and come to work more motivated and productive. Companies that take this principle seriously not only strengthen the health and well-being of their employees, but also their own competitiveness and employee loyalty.