The right to disconnect: Setting healthy boundaries in a hyper-connected world

In today’s hyper-connected world, where notifications and emails never sleep, the boundaries between work and personal life are often hard to define. While technology enables us to stay connected, it has also led to overwork. The problem is particularly pronounced in industries where the nature of work demands constant interaction, often across multiple time zones. Employees struggle to carve out time for themselves and their families, making it harder to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Amid these challenges, the concept of the "Right to Disconnect" has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a structured way to balance productivity with well-being. But what does this right truly mean, and how can it reshape the modern workplace? Could this framework work in India, where long working hours and connectivity are deeply entrenched in workplace culture? Let’s explore how the Right to Disconnect has transformed workplaces abroad and why it’s time for India to embrace this change.
A global perspective
Countries across the globe have begun to recognise the importance of this right, and the results are encouraging. In Australia, the Right to Disconnect legislation has already shown promising outcomes. A 2024 survey revealed a 15% increase in employee satisfaction, a 10% boost in productivity, and a 20% drop in stress-related illnesses. Meanwhile, France, which pioneered this initiative in 2017, has set a benchmark. Employees in organisations with Right to Disconnect policies report twice as much job satisfaction compared to those without. A staggering 92% of such employees also credit these policies for their improved work-life balance. In Belgium, integrating this right into collective bargaining agreements since 2023 has been a game-changer. Nearly 69% of employees view its impact positively, and companies have reported fewer cases of unpaid overtime and more balanced workload distribution.
The Right to Disconnect can function as either a legal right or an individual company policy, depending on the nature of the industry and organisational structure. However, the key lies in bringing a broader cultural shift in India, one that redefines workplace norms and prioritises work-life balance across all sectors.
Why India needs the Right to Disconnect
Indian workplace culture often glorifies overwork, treating long hours and constant availability as markers of dedication and commitment. This mindset has led to widespread stress and burnout, with certain industries exemplifying the challenges employees face.
In the IT and BPO sectors, where international client demands often dictate work schedules, employees navigate the challenges of working across multiple time zones. A software engineer might spend their day debugging code and troubleshooting technical issues, only to stay up late for calls with overseas teams. This relentless routine leaves little room for personal time, gradually eroding mental and physical well-being.
The media and entertainment industry provides another striking example. Journalists and production teams often operate under unpredictable schedules. A news reporter covering breaking stories might work late into the night to meet tight deadlines, only to wake up early for the next assignment. This constant state of urgency leaves little time to recharge, contributing to long-term fatigue and burnout.
These industry-specific scenarios illustrate how Indian workplaces often blur the boundaries between professional and personal life. The Right to Disconnect offers a path forward, addressing these challenges by creating healthier work-life boundaries. However, making this shift requires not just policy implementation but also a cultural redefinition of productivity and success, prioritising employee well-being as a core value.
Building a culture of responsibility
For the Right to Disconnect to succeed, it requires a cultural shift. Organisations need to create environments where disconnecting from work is not just encouraged but normalised. This means setting clear expectations around work hours and respecting employees' time off. Leaders must lead by example, refraining from sending emails or assigning tasks after hours.
At the same time, employees must exercise this right responsibly. This includes maintaining open communication with their employers, honouring their commitments during work hours, and understanding the scope of the policies in place. Fair usage is key to ensuring that the Right to Disconnect remains a tool for empowerment rather than exploitation. Additionally, India lacks a legal framework specifically protecting the Right to Disconnect, unlike countries like France or Australia where such laws are in place. Without clear legal backing, enforcing such policies across organisations becomes challenging.
The way forward
The Right to Disconnect is more than just a workplace policy; it acts as proof of the value we place on mental health and work-life balance. Countries like Australia, France, and Belgium have already shown that this approach can lead to healthier, happier employees and more productive workplaces.
For India, adopting this policy could be transformative. It’s time to reimagine the way we work, setting boundaries that protect not only the workforce but also the social fabric of our lives. The Right to Disconnect offers a much-needed antidote to the relentless demands of the modern workplace, creating space for us to focus on what truly matters.