Pure stress on renters or homeowners: rain falling through the window, water constantly dripping from the drain or worse – burst pipes and water damage. Even if such matters seem urgent, employees are not allowed to simply go home during work hours to make repairs.
According to labor law specialist Alexander Brederick, the basic rule is: employees must work during working hours. Private matters, such as repairs to your house or apartment, should be postponed until your free time.
Always act in consultation with the employer
In rare exceptional cases it can also be different. However, the following applies: “Here too, the employee should do everything he can to find an alternative solution,” says Brederick. For example: If the police are called because they need to enter the apartment because of a burst water pipe, you may be allowed to drive home briefly to address the damage and secure your belongings.
However, such cases are not clearly defined in legal terms. That’s why, according to Brederick, you should only act in urgent emergencies and always in consultation with your employer: “Otherwise you risk warning or termination of employment.”
