MUMBAI (PTI): Even though 79 percent of the employers support the “right to disconnect” policy, 88 percentof employees say they face contact after work hours,with 85 percent reporting that this communication continues even during sick leave or public holidays. However, a majority of the employees (79 percent) feel that not responding to work-related communication after hours may lead to repercussions, such as missed promotions, a damaged professional reputation, or project setbacks, a survey report said on Monday.
According to global job site Indeed, over 79 percent of respondents including employers opined that implementing the “right to disconnect” policy at work would be a positive step forward.
As India’s workforce grapples with an “always on” culture, discussions around this policy are becoming increasingly important to address rising stress levels and employee burnout, it added.
However, this is not a common trend across generations. The survey data shows a significant generational divide when it comes to attitudes toward after-hours communication and the right to disconnect. Baby Boomers (88 percent) are more likely to feel valued when contacted outside of work hours, likely reflecting a traditional work ethic that emphasizes loyalty and availability. For many in this generation, constant availability is viewed as a mark of dedication and reliability.
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On the other hand, over 50 percent of Gen Z respondents share this view, indicating a shift in workplace expectations. Gen Z, having grown up in a digital, connected world, places higher importance on work-life balance and personal well-being, advocating for clear boundaries between professional and personal life.
Furthermore, 63 percent of Gen Z respondents stated they would consider leaving their jobs in the future if the right to disconnect is not respected, compared to only 38 percent of Baby Boomers. While younger employees are still committed to the demands of the work currently, they want to prioritise mental health and personal boundaries more than previous generations.
Interestingly, the survey also shows that 81 percent of employers are concerned about losing top talent if they fail to respect work-life boundaries. However, due to factors such as urgent project needs, deadlines, and stakeholder communication, many employers feel compelled to reach out to employees after hours. As a result, 66 percent of employers worry that productivity could suffer if they commit to refraining from out-of-hours contact.
Despite these challenges, a majority of employers support the right to disconnect. Furthermore, 69 percent of job seekers agree that they have a right to disconnect and trust that their managers would honour such a policy. Additionally, 81 percent of employers expressed a willingness to offer extra compensation for employees who remain accessible after hours, underlining their readiness to acknowledge the value of employees’ time.
This survey was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Indeed among 500 employers and 500 jobseekers and employees between July and September 2024.
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