A recent tragedy has sparked a national conversation about the pressures of modern work culture in India. Following the unfortunate death of a CA working at EY, her family blamed the heavy workload for her demise. This incident reignited the ongoing debate about work-life balance and the concept of the “Right to Disconnect.” The idea behind this policy is to allow employees to be free from work-related communication outside of office hours, helping them maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives.
A new survey by the global hiring platform Indeed reveals that most Indian employers are beginning to support this policy.
Survey Highlights: Employers Favor Right to Disconnect
According to Indeed’s survey, 79% of employers in India see the implementation of the Right to Disconnect policy as a positive step towards a better workplace culture. This comes as the “always-on” work culture becomes a significant issue for many employees across the country. With workdays stretching far beyond office hours, many professionals struggle to find time to rest and recharge.
As a result, companies are beginning to recognize the need for a clearer boundary between work and personal time.
Employees Feel the Pressure: Constant Connectivity
The survey highlights just how widespread the problem is. A striking 88% of Indian employees report that they remain in contact with their employers even after working hours. This could be due to constant emails, phone calls, or messages that come in during evenings, weekends, or even on public holidays.
Moreover, 85% of employees said that even on sick days or while on leave, they’re expected to remain available. Many workers fear that if they are not always available, it could hurt their chances for promotion or damage their reputation within the company.
Fear of Career Consequences
One of the major reasons for employees staying connected beyond work hours is fear. Many employees worry that failing to be available could result in career setbacks. They are concerned that their absence might be seen as a lack of dedication or that they might miss important updates that could impact ongoing projects.
This fear highlights the challenges Indian workers face in drawing clear boundaries between work and their personal lives. It also shows how competitive the work environment has become, where being “offline” can be perceived as a lack of commitment.
Generational Differences in Views on Work-Life Balance
Interestingly, the survey reveals that different generations have contrasting views on staying connected after hours. Baby Boomers, for instance, largely believe that being available beyond work hours is a sign of loyalty and dedication. For them, this approach is linked to job security and career advancement.
On the other hand, Gen Z, which has grown up in a hyper-connected world, values work-life balance much more. This younger generation tends to prefer clearer boundaries between their professional and personal lives. They believe that their time is equally important for their overall well-being and productivity.
Employers Acknowledge the Problem
It’s not just employees who recognize the growing issue of constant connectivity. Indeed’s survey reveals that 81% of employers are concerned about the negative impact of this “always-on” culture. They worry that failing to respect employees’ time could lead to a loss of talented workers who prioritize a healthier work-life balance.
While many employers agree that respecting employees’ boundaries is crucial, the reality of meeting deadlines and managing projects often means they still reach out to workers after hours. This creates a tricky balance between maintaining productivity and ensuring employees aren’t overburdened.
Support for Right to Disconnect Grows
Despite these challenges, the survey found that most employers are willing to support the Right to Disconnect policy. 66% of employers believe that following a strict no-contact rule after working hours might lead to a drop in productivity. However, they are still exploring ways to create a healthier work culture for their employees.
Moreover, 69% of job seekers believe that they should have the right to disconnect from work-related communication once the workday ends. They’re confident that their managers would also support this policy to improve their work-life balance.
Interestingly, 81% of employers have expressed their willingness to provide additional incentives to employees who choose to stay available after hours, indicating a shift toward respecting employees’ time and efforts.
The Survey in Numbers
The survey conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Indeed included 500 employers and 500 job seekers between July and September 2024. These results paint a picture of the evolving workplace culture in India, where the Right to Disconnect is gaining momentum as an important step toward ensuring a healthy balance between work and personal life.
