The Case for a 'Right to Disconnect' to Address Employee Burnout in India's Digital Economy
Shashi Tharoor advocates for a 'right to disconnect' to protect Indian workers from the 'always-on' culture enabled by digital tools. According to the ILO, 51% of India's workforce works over 49 hours weekly, leading to severe mental health issues and burnout. Tharoor proposes amending the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, to ensure employees aren't penalized for ignoring work communications outside hours. While Kerala has local legislation, a national framework is needed to cover contractual and gig workers who are currently excluded from many labor protections.
Key Points
- India has the second-highest percentage of employees working extended hours globally, according to the ILO.
- Work-related stress accounts for 10-12% of mental health cases in India per the National Mental Health Survey.
- The proposed Right to Disconnect Bill seeks to amend the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020.
- France was a pioneer in this area, introducing the right to disconnect in 2017, followed by Italy and Australia.
Exam Facts
- 51% of India's workforce works more than 49 hours per week (ILO data).
- The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code was passed in 2020.
- France introduced the 'right to disconnect' in 2017.
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