8 out of 10 Employers in India Support 'Right to Disconnect' Policies

The Rise of Work-Life Balance: Indian Employers Back the Right to Disconnect

Delhi: As Indian employees grapple with the pressures of an “always-on” work culture, the demand for a formal Right to Disconnect policy is gaining momentum. According to a recent survey by a global job platform, 79% of Indian employers are in favor of implementing a policy that allows employees to disengage from work communications outside of office hours. This shift is seen as a crucial step toward addressing the rising stress levels and burnout among the workforce.

Growing Concern Over Employee Burnout

With 88% of Indian employees reporting being contacted by their employers outside of regular work hours and 85% being contacted even during sick leave or public holidays, it is clear that the boundary between work and personal life is increasingly blurred. Many employees (79%) fear that not responding to such communications could negatively impact their career, with consequences such as missed promotions, a tarnished reputation, or delays in projects.

These statistics reveal a growing concern about the sustainability of such an intense work culture in India’s rapidly expanding economy.

Generational Perspectives on Work Boundaries

A notable aspect of the survey is the generational divide in attitudes toward after-hours work communication. Baby Boomers (88%) tend to feel appreciated when contacted after work hours, reflecting a traditional work ethic where availability signifies loyalty and dedication. On the other hand, the Gen Z cohort has different expectations. Only 50% of Gen Z employees share this sentiment, with 63% of them stating that they would consider leaving their job if their right to disconnect is not respected.

This generational shift underscores the rising importance of work-life balance among younger employees, who place a higher premium on mental health and personal well-being than their older counterparts.

Employers Align with Workers’ Needs

The study also reveals that 81% of employers are concerned about losing top talent if they fail to respect boundaries between work and personal time. However, many businesses face the challenge of balancing urgent deadlines and stakeholder demands with employee well-being. 66% of employers admit they fear productivity losses if they refrain from contacting employees after hours.

Nevertheless, a large number of employers support the right to disconnect, with 81% of them willing to provide additional compensation to employees who remain accessible beyond work hours. This highlights a growing recognition of the value of employee time and well-being.

Global Insights: APAC Trends

India is not alone in grappling with this issue. Employees in Australia and Singapore face similar pressures. In Australia, 90% of workers regularly extend their work beyond official hours, and 86% believe they have the right to disconnect. In Singapore, 93% of employees report working beyond office hours, with 80% advocating for clearer boundaries between work and personal life.

Interestingly, only 47% of Australian employers worry about a potential drop in productivity, showing greater confidence in balancing work within set boundaries. On the other hand, 78% of employers in Singapore share concerns similar to their Indian counterparts, fearing that productivity could decline without after-hours communication.

As the conversation around work-life balance gains traction, the demand for a right to disconnect is becoming a key factor in employee satisfaction. Employers who are willing to adapt to these changing expectations may not only retain top talent but also foster a healthier, more productive workplace. The challenge now lies in creating a sustainable culture that values personal time while maintaining efficiency in an increasingly competitive business environment.