A fresh legislative push to safeguard employee well-being is underway, with a private member’s Bill seeking to formally recognise the right of employees to disconnect from work outside official hours.
The proposed legislation, introduced by NCP leader Supriya Sule, aims to curb the growing expectation of constant availability driven by digital communication tools. If enacted, the Bill would provide employees with legal protection against work-related calls, messages, and emails beyond prescribed working hours, unless explicitly required by the nature of the role.
The move reflects mounting concern over burnout, stress, and blurred boundaries between professional and personal life, particularly in white-collar and service-sector roles. Proponents argue that uninterrupted rest time is essential for productivity, mental health, and long-term workforce sustainability.
The Bill also seeks to nudge organisations towards clearer policies on working hours, internal communication norms, and managerial accountability. While similar frameworks already exist in countries such as France and parts of Europe, India currently lacks statutory provisions addressing digital overreach at work.
Industry reactions are expected to be mixed, with employee groups welcoming the proposal as overdue, while some employers flag operational flexibility concerns. Even so, the Bill has reignited a broader conversation around humane work practices, signalling that work-life balance is increasingly being viewed as a labour rights issue rather than a personal choice.
Although the proposal will undergo parliamentary scrutiny and debate, it marks a significant step in placing employee well-being at the centre of future workplace regulation.
Source – https://www.bwpeople.in/article/right-to-disconnect-bill-seeks-legal-backing-for-work-life-boundaries-583802