India’s Right to Disconnect Bill: Aiming to Limit Work Calls, Emails After Hours
A private member’s bill, the “Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025,” was recently introduced in the Lok Sabha, proposing that employees be allowed to refrain from work-related communications outside of official work hours and holidays. This bill, inspired by similar legislation in Australia, aims to establish an Employees’ Welfare Authority and addresses concerns about work-life balance, as a survey indicated widespread after-hours communication and pressure to respond. The survey also revealed generational differences and employer concerns about talent retention, with the majority supporting disconnect policies, while simultaneously fearing a drop in productivity. This move comes amidst a larger debate about work hours in India, fueled by discussions around extended workweeks by industry leaders.
John Q. Hosedrinker