Time to Unplug: Evaluating the Need for a Right to Disconnect Law in India
Time to Unplug: Evaluating the Need for a Right to Disconnect Law in India
Imagine finally hanging out with your friends on Saturday after a tiring week just to get a call from your boss asking you to submit that report by the next morning. This scenario might sound all too familiar for many professionals across various sectors. In countries like Australia, such after-hours demands are curbed by the Right to Disconnect law, which allows employees to ignore work communications outside their scheduled hours. This regulation, aimed at maintaining a clear boundary between work and personal time, was introduced to combat the growing problem of work encroaching on personal lives, a trend exacerbated by the pandemic.
Australia’s Right to Disconnect law applies to all employees. France pioneered the concept in 2017. However, India is yet to implement a comparable law. Despite the introduction of the Right to Disconnect bill by MP Supriya Sule, the proposal has not advanced significantly through the legislative process.
The reluctance to adopt such a measure in India reflects a broader cultural acceptance of long working hours. In sectors like healthcare, IT, and journalism, overworking is the norm. Recent proposals and recommendations further illustrate this trend. Infosys co-founder Narayan Murthy suggested that Indian youth should prepare for 70-hour workweeks to accelerate national growth, while Kotak Mahindra’s Nilesh Shah advocated for a 12-hour workday to boost the economy.
The Economic Survey of July echoed these sentiments, recommending more flexible working hours and increased overtime as a means to enhance worker earnings. It criticized current restrictions under the Factories Act, which limits overtime and work hours, suggesting that relaxing these limits could lead to higher wages and greater economic productivity. This proposal aligns with recent attempts by Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to amend the Factories Act, though such efforts have faced backlash and resistance.
Despite these recommendations, extending work hours could have significant downsides. Studies show that increased working hours can lead to decreased efficiency, burnout, and a reduction in creativity. Additionally, without adequate compensation, longer hours may lead to employee dissatisfaction and worsen mental health issues, affecting overall productivity.
As India contemplates potential changes to work-hour policies, finding a balance between economic benefits and employee well-being remains crucial. Ensuring that any shifts in work regulations do not compromise the health and productivity of the workforce is essential for sustainable growth and job satisfaction.
