Right to Disconnect Bill Introduced in Parliament

Why in News ?

A Private Member’s Bill titled the Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025 has been introduced in the Lok Sabha to legally protect employees from work-related calls, messages, or emails outside designated office hours.

About the Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025

The Bill, introduced by MP Supriya Sule, seeks to formally recognise an employee's right to disengage from official communication once working hours end. It aims to restore work–life balance in the increasingly digital and ‘always-on’ work environment created by remote and hybrid work.

The legislation highlights a growing global concern: employees being expected to respond instantly, even during personal time, weekends, and holidays.

Key Provisions of the Bill

1. Protection from After-Hours Communication

• Employees will not be obliged to respond to calls, emails, messages or digital notifications after office hours.
• No disciplinary action can be taken for non-response.

2. Creation of an Employees’ Welfare Authority

• The proposed authority will:
  • Monitor compliance
  • Issue guidelines
  • Collect data on after-hours work communication
  • Frame enforcement mechanisms

3. Mandatory Negotiation for Larger Workplaces

• Companies with more than 10 employees must negotiate after-hours communication rules with staff/unions.

4. Overtime Compensation

• If employees choose to work beyond official hours, it must be:
  • By mutual consent, and
  • Compensated through overtime wages.

5. Workplace Policies

• Organisations will have to clearly define:
  • Working hours
  • Emergency communication protocols
  • Digital engagement expectations

Why the Bill Was Introduced

Recent surveys cited in parliamentary discussions show:

• A large share of employees routinely receive calls/messages outside working hours.
• Many fear professional repercussions if they do not respond immediately.
• Digital work tools (Zoom, WhatsApp, Slack, email) have blurred professional boundaries.

The Bill aims to prevent burnout, improve mental health, and promote healthy workplace culture.

Global Context

Countries like France, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, and Spain have already enacted right-to-disconnect laws. India’s Bill reflects evolving conversations about digital rights, privacy, and humane work environments.

Significance

• Promotes work-life balance
• Protects mental health
• Encourages transparent HR policies
• Sets boundaries in remote and hybrid working models
• Raises awareness, even if the Bill does not become law

(Note: Private member bills rarely become law, but are important for public and parliamentary debate.)