India’s Right to Disconnect Bill Confronts a Culture of Long Hours and High Burnout

A new bill seeks to give Indian workers a legal right to ignore after-hours calls. The Right to Disconnect Bill 2025 was introduced in Parliament by MP Supriya Sule. It aims to protect employees’ personal time from work intrusions.

The proposal hits at a core issue in modern Indian work life. It comes amid debates about productivity and employee well-being. The nation grapples with some of the world’s longest average work weeks.

The Productivity Paradox of Long Working Hours

Indians work more than 45 hours a week on average. This is the ninth highest globally, according to the International Labour Organization. Yet output is low at $10.8 per hour.

This places India second-lowest among emerging economies. In contrast, Switzerland works about 35 hours weekly. Its output is nearly $86 per hour, the world’s highest.

The problem links to outdated skills and informal work. Exploitative cultures also harm health and motivation. These factors erode cognitive performance over time.

Weak Protections and Widespread Worker Exhaustion

India’s labour rights score is just 65 out of 100. This indicates ‘limited access to decent work’. The score has not improved since 2022.

Weak protections mean unstable jobs and unpredictable hours. Workers have little bargaining power. This environment worsens burnout and reduces long-term productivity.

Burnout rates are exceptionally high. A 2023 McKinsey Health Institute report found 59% of Indian workers burnt out. That was the highest rate among 30 surveyed countries.

Symptoms include fuzzy thinking and emotional overload. Many still function at high levels despite feeling drained. Digital connectivity has further blurred work-life boundaries.

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What is the Right to Disconnect Bill 2025?

The bill is a proposed law in India. It would let employees decline work calls and messages outside scheduled hours. The goal is to create a healthier work-life balance.

How do India’s work hours compare globally?

Indians average over 45 work hours per week. This ranks ninth highest in the world according to ILO data. However, the nation’s productivity per hour remains very low.

Why is burnout so high among Indian workers?

Nearly 60% report burnout, the highest in a global survey. Causes include long hours, weak labour protections, and constant digital connectivity. Many feel drained and emotionally overloaded.

Would this bill help most Indian workers?

It would primarily benefit the formal sector, especially professional services. A large part of India’s workforce is informal and may not be covered. Broader labour reforms are likely still needed.

What is India’s score on labour rights?

India scores 65 out of 100 in the global labour rights index. This places it in the ‘limited access to decent work’ category. The score is particularly low on fair treatment.