Despite repeated calls across the world for the right to disconnect, a survey by Indeed shows that there is a difference between intent and reality in India. While employers believe that clearer boundaries around work would be beneficial, every nine in 10 employees still report being contacted outside working hours.
The report also highlighted the growing challenge of work-life balance in India, revealing that 85 per cent of employees are contacted by their managers even during sick leave or public holiday. The findings underscore how deeply blurred boundaries have become between professional and personal life.
Interestingly, during the Winter Session of the Parliament 2025, a private member’s bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha asking for the implementation of the right to disconnect. The bill was introduced to reduce stress and promote work-life balance.
According to the survey, 88 per cent of Indian employees are regularly contacted outside of work hours, while 79 per cent fear repercussions such as missed promotions or reputational damage if they fail to respond. This culture of constant availability has created an environment where employees feel compelled to remain connected, even at the cost of their health and personal time.
Gen Z Vs Baby Boomers
The survey also points to a sharp generational divide in attitudes toward after-hours communication. Some 88 per cent of Baby Boomers reported feeling valued when contacted outside work, reflecting a traditional view of availability as commitment.
Baby Boomers are generally defined as the people born between 1946 and 1964, while Gen Z are the successors of millennials, who are born between 1997 and 2012.
In contrast, only around 50 per cent of Gen Z employees share this sentiment, with 63 per cent saying they would consider leaving their job if their right to disconnect is not respected. This shift highlights changing expectations among younger workers, who prioritise mental health and work-life balance.
Employers say on the right to disconnect
Employers themselves appear conflicted as 79 per cent believe implementing a right to disconnect policy would be a positive step; however, 66 per cent fear a drop in productivity if such boundaries are strictly enforced.
At the same time, 81 per cent worry about losing top talent if they fail to respect work-life boundaries. Interestingly, many employers (81 per cent) are willing to offer trade-offs, which means extra compensation to employees, if they work after regular hours.
The report also compared the findings of the Indians with those of Australia and Singapore. Across the Asia-Pacific region, similar patterns emerge. In Australia, 90 per cent of employees work beyond office hours, though only 47 per cent of employers fear productivity losses if boundaries are enforced. On the other hand, in Singapore, 93 per cent of employees work beyond office hours, with 78 per cent of employers worried about reduced productivity.