Syllabus
GS Paper 2 – Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.
Context
India must recognise that the right to disconnect will increase productivity
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 10th December 2024
Indians need the right to disconnect
The rising incidence of workplace stress, prolonged working hours, and mental health challenges among Indian employees has intensified discussions around the right to disconnect . This concept, rooted in employee rights, seeks to establish a boundary between work and personal life, thereby promoting mental health and productivity. India, poised to become the third-largest economy by 2030, must address this issue to ensure holistic growth.
The Case for the Right to Disconnect
- Impact of Overwork: Studies indicate that 49% of Indian workers report workplace stress affecting their mental health, as per the ADP Research Institute.
- Workplace Tragedies: High-pressure environments have led to tragic incidents, like the recent death of an EY employee, spotlighting the need for systemic changes.
- Mental Health and Productivity: Research by the University of Oxford confirms that happiness correlates with increased productivity, countering the belief that overwork boosts output.
Global Examples of the Right to Disconnect
- France: The Labour Chamber of the French Supreme Court ruled in 2001 that employees are not obligated to work outside their hours. This principle was later reaffirmed by the Cour de Cassation.
- Portugal: Employers contacting employees outside work hours, except in emergencies, is deemed illegal.
- Spain: Article 88 of its Organic Law 3/2018 guarantees public workers the right to switch off for work-life balance.
- Australia: The Fair Work Legislation Amendment 2023 establishes the right to disconnect.
- Ireland: Officially recognizes employees’ right to disconnect, ensuring personal and family privacy.
The Indian Context
- Constitutional Backing: Article 38 of the Directive Principles of State Policy mandates the promotion of worker welfare, while Article 39(e) emphasizes worker health and dignity.
- Judicial Pronouncements:
- Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan (1997): Recognized the right to dignity at the workplace.
- Praveen Pradhan v. State of Uttaranchal (2012): Condemned inhumane scolding by superiors.
- Ravindra Kumar Dhariwal v. Union of India (2021): Advocated for reasonable accommodation for individual differences.
- Private Member Bill: In 2018, MP Supriya Sule proposed a bill granting employees the right to disconnect, with penalties for employer noncompliance. However, legislative progress has stalled.
The Impact of Prolonged Working Hours
- Health Implications: Prolonged hours lead to stress, coronary diseases, and declining overall health, according to Harvard Business Review.
- Economic Productivity: Contrary to expectations, overwork reduces efficiency, as validated by research with British telecom firm BT.
- Employee Morale: Constant electronic engagement erodes personal time, fostering burnout and disconnection.
Ethical and Organizational Responsibilities
- Employer Sensitivity: Indian workplaces often disregard employees’ mental health, as evidenced by a recent report revealing over 55-hour work weeks for women in professional jobs.
- Accountability Measures: Although labor laws address working hours, enforcement remains weak. A dedicated right to disconnect could fill this gap.
- Technological Boundaries: Employers must establish policies limiting electronic communication outside working hours to ensure work-life balance.
Way Forward for India
- Policy Initiatives: India should legislate the right to disconnect, learning from global best practices in France, Portugal, and Australia.
- Awareness and Advocacy: Employers need to recognize the business benefits of happier, healthier employees.
- Technological Safeguards: Digital tools can regulate out-of-office communication, providing employees with uninterrupted personal time.
- Cultural Change: Organizational leadership must prioritize well-being and normalize disconnecting after hours.
Conclusion
The right to disconnect is more than a labor policy; it is a commitment to the mental and physical well-being of employees. India’s aspiration to be a global economic powerhouse must go hand in hand with equitable workplace practices. Recognizing this right can bridge the gap between productivity and employee welfare, ensuring that growth is inclusive and sustainable for all.
Related PYQ
“While we flaunt India’s demographic dividend, we ignore the dropping rates of employability.” What are we missing while doing so? Where will the jobs that India desperately needs come from? Explain. [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2014]
Practice Question
Discuss the significance of implementing the “right to disconnect” in the Indian workplace context? [150 words]
Guidelines for Answering the Question
- Introduction:
- Briefly introduce the concept of the “right to disconnect.”
- Highlight its relevance in the Indian context, considering workplace stress and mental health concerns.
- Body:
- Explain how it promotes work-life balance, mental health, and productivity.
- Mention global examples like France and Portugal to underline its effectiveness.
- Mention constitutional and judicial references promoting worker welfare and dignity.
- Emphasize the need for collective efforts by the government, organizations, and civil society to ensure its success.
- Conclusion:
- Summarize the importance of the right to disconnect as a progressive step towards equitable and healthy workplaces.