Why in the News?

After an EY employee’s death allegedly linked to work pressure, a report highlights Indian women in professions like IT and auditing exceeding 55-hour workweeks, with marginalized unorganized sector workers facing varied hours.

What are the present issues arising at Workplaces in India?

• Long Working Hours: Many Indian professionals, especially women in sectors like auditing and IT, work over 55 hours per week, contributing to high levels of stress and burnout.
• Mental Health Impact: A significant percentage (49%) of Indian workers report that workplace stress negatively affects their mental health, highlighting the urgent need for better work-life balance.
• Lack of Legal Protections: Unlike several countries that have implemented laws to protect employees’ right to disconnect from work outside official hours, India lacks specific legislation addressing this issue.
• Cultural Attitudes: There is a pervasive workaholic culture where employees feel compelled to remain available outside working hours, often leading to a blurring of boundaries between personal and professional life.

What benefits and challenges would India face in enforcing a ‘right to disconnect’ law?

Benefits:

• Improved Employee Well-Being: Enforcing a right to disconnect could help mitigate stress and improve mental health among employees, leading to a healthier workforce.
• Enhanced Productivity: Research indicates that allowing employees to disconnect can lead to increased productivity during working hours as they can focus better without after-hours distractions.
• Work-Life Balance: Such legislation would promote a more balanced approach to work, allowing employees to prioritize personal time and family life.

Challenges:

• Economic Concerns: Implementing a right to disconnect may b e seen as detrimental to economic growth in a competitive landscape like India, where companies often push for extended working hours.
• Resistance from Employers: Many employers may resist such regulations, fearing it could hinder their operational flexibility and responsiveness.
• Cultural Shift Required: There would need to be a significant cultural shift within organizations to embrace the right to disconnect, moving away from the expectation of constant availability.

How does the concept align with India’s economic growth and competitive landscape?

• Boosting Productivity: Recognizing the right to disconnect could enhance overall productivity by fostering a healthier work environment. This aligns with India’s goal of becoming the third-largest economy by 2030.
• Attracting Talent: A commitment to employee well-being through such legislation could make Indian companies more attractive to skilled professionals, particularly in competitive sectors like technology.
• Global Competitiveness: As global standards for employee rights evolve, India risks falling behind if it does not adapt its labor laws. Implementing a right to disconnect could position India favorably in the global market.

Way forward: 

• Legislative Framework: Introduce comprehensive laws recognizing the right to disconnect, ensuring strict enforcement mechanisms and sector-specific guidelines to accommodate diverse workplace needs while safeguarding employee well-being.
• Cultural Transformation: Promote awareness campaigns and organizational policies to shift workplace culture towards respecting personal time, emphasizing the long-term benefits of work-life balance for productivity and economic growth.

Mains PYQ:

Q What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space? (UPSC IAS/2019)

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