A new survey by Indeed reveals a growing trend towards implementing "right to disconnect" policies in Indian workplaces. 79% of Indian employers now support this move, recognising the urgent need to address rising stress levels and employee burnout caused by the pervasive "always on" culture.

With 88% of employees regularly contacted outside of work hours, the survey underscores the urgent need to establish clear boundaries between professional and personal time.

The survey highlights that a staggering 85% of employees experience communication from employers even during sick leave or public holidays.

Many employees (79%) express concerns that not responding to after-hours communications could jeopardise their career prospects, including missed promotions and damaged reputations. This pervasive pressure complicates the challenge of achieving work-life balance within India’s competitive job market.

The survey reveals a significant generational divide in attitudes towards after-hours contact. While 88% of Baby Boomers feel valued when contacted outside of work, only just over 50% of Gen Z respondents share this sentiment.

Gen Z prioritises personal well-being and work-life balance, with 63% stating they would consider leaving a job if the right to disconnect is not respected. In contrast, only 38% of Baby Boomers would take similar action. This generational shift indicates a broader cultural change in workplace expectations, with younger employees advocating for mental health and personal boundaries.

Rohan Sylvester, Talent Strategy Advisor at Indeed India, emphasised the need for organisations to adapt, stating, “Personal boundaries are now essential; today’s workforce seeks balance, and organisations that provide this will gain strong loyalty and productivity.”

Despite concerns about productivity and project demands, 81% of employers acknowledge the risk of losing top talent if work-life boundaries are not respected. Many employers express trepidation about potential productivity declines if after-hours communication is curtailed, with 66% fearing adverse effects on their operations.

However, a majority of employers—69%—recognise the legitimacy of employees’ right to disconnect and trust that their managers will uphold such policies. Over 80% are willing to offer extra compensation for employees who remain accessible after hours, reflecting a readiness to value their employees’ time.

In Australia, 90% of respondents work beyond office hours, while 86% believe in their right to disconnect. Singaporean employees show even stronger feelings, with 93% indicating they work outside regular hours and 80% supporting the right to disconnect.

Interestingly, only 47% of Australian employers express concerns about productivity drops if after-hours contact is limited, contrasting sharply with the 78% of Singaporean employers who share such fears.

Adopting the Right to Disconnect gives companies a competitive edge in recruitment and highlights their commitment to employee well-being. This policy can attract top talent seeking work-life balance, but it requires cultural change and manager training for effective implementation. Leadership support and clear policies are essential for fostering an environment that respects personal time while maintaining productivity.

However, the 'Right to Disconnect' also poses challenges, especially in India. It can disrupt operations in fast-paced industries like technology and finance, where quick decision-making is vital. Additionally, some employees may misuse the policy, leading to accountability issues and harming team dynamics. Striking a balance between employee well-being and organizational efficiency is crucial for success.

This survey was conducted by Censuswide for Indeed among 500 employers and job seekers from July to September 2024.