In a significant move addressing the growing conversation around workplace burnout and mental health in India, a new legislative proposal seeks to give employees the legal right to ignore work-related calls and emails outside of office hours.
Introduced in the Lok Sabha on Friday by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule, the Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025, proposes the establishment of an Employees’ Welfare Authority. If enacted, the bill would empower workers to refuse work communications post-shift and on holidays without fear of disciplinary action.
Tackling the ‘Always-On’ Culture
The introduction of the bill comes at a time when India’s corporate work culture is under intense scrutiny. The conversation around work-life balance gained renewed urgency following the tragic death of an EY employee in Pune, which sparked national outrage regarding excessive workload and stress.
While the bill aims to shield employees from the “always-on” digital tether, it stands in stark contrast to recent sentiments expressed by some industry veterans. Prominent figures like Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and L&T CEO SN Subrahmanyan have publicly advocated for longer work hours—ranging from 70 to 90 hours a week—citing models like China’s “9-9-6” system as necessary for India’s economic acceleration.
The proposed legislation mirrors global trends, specifically drawing parallels to Australia, which passed similar “Right to Disconnect” rules last year to protect workers in a hyper-connected era.
The Reality of After-Hours Pressure
Data suggests a strong appetite for such regulation among the Indian workforce. A survey conducted last year by global job platform Indeed revealed that 88% of employees are routinely contacted outside of work hours. More alarmingly, 85% reported receiving work messages even while on sick leave or holiday.
The pressure to comply is palpable. The survey noted that 79% of employees fear that ignoring after-hours communication could detrimental to their career progression or future promotions.
However, the survey also highlighted a shift in employer sentiment. While 66% of employers feared a drop in productivity without after-hours access, a significant 81% expressed worry about losing skilled talent if work-life balance concerns were ignored. Interestingly, 79% of employers viewed the “Right to Disconnect” policy favorably, with many willing to offer extra compensation to staff who remain reachable.
Generational Divide in the Workplace
The debate has also exposed a sharp generational divide. The Indeed survey found that Baby Boomers (born 1946–1964) were the most likely to feel “appreciated” when contacted after hours (88%). In contrast, Gen Z workers (born 1997–2012) are pushing back, with 63% stating they would consider quitting if their boundaries were not respected.
Legislative Roundup: Menstrual Leave and NEET Exemption
While the Right to Disconnect Bill took center stage, Friday’s session saw the introduction of several other significant private members’ bills covering health, education, and human rights.
- Menstrual Rights: Two separate bills addressed women’s health. Congress MP Kadiyam Kavya introduced the Menstrual Benefits Bill, 2024, aiming to provide workplace facilities for women during menstruation. Similarly, LJP MP Shambhavi Choudhary introduced legislation seeking paid menstrual leave for working women and female students, alongside mandatory hygiene facilities.
- NEET Exemption: Congress MP Manickam Tagore introduced a bill to exempt Tamil Nadu from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for undergraduate medical admissions. This follows the Tamil Nadu government’s recent move to approach the Supreme Court after the President refused assent to a state law seeking similar exemption.
- Death Penalty and Journalist Protection: DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi introduced a bill to abolish the death penalty, citing Law Commission recommendations that life imprisonment serves as an equal deterrent. Additionally, Independent MP Vishaldada Prakashbapu Patil introduced the Journalist (Prevention of Violence and Protection) Bill, 2024, aimed at safeguarding media personnel and their property.
It is pertinent to note that private member bills—legislation introduced by MPs who are not ministers—are rarely passed in Parliament. In most instances, they are withdrawn after the government provides assurances or responds to the issues raised. However, they serve as crucial instruments for highlighting pressing social and legal issues.
