Workflow
Right to Disconnect (RTD)
icon
Search documents
Right to disconnect: A bridge too far?
BusinessLine· 2025-12-22 01:06
Core Perspective - The proposed Right to Disconnect Bill (RTD) in India raises questions about work-life balance and its implications for productivity and economic structure [1][7]. Group 1: Global Context and Comparisons - Australia implemented RTD in 2024, with 58% of surveyed employers reporting increased employee engagement and productivity, though only 39% noted improvements in work-life balance [3]. - Among the 11 countries with effective RTD laws, only Ireland and Belgium rank in the top 10 by GDP per hour, suggesting that RTD may not directly correlate with productivity or economic success [4]. Group 2: Challenges in India - India's labor market is characterized by a high share of informal workforce and a protective employer policy, complicating the implementation of RTD [5]. - The BFSI sector, contributing about 27% to India's GDP, may face operational challenges if RTD is enforced, particularly in relation to global client demands [5]. - Family-owned businesses, which account for 79% of India's GDP and employ over 60% of the workforce, are currently not investing significantly in capital expenditures, raising concerns about the impact of new legislation on operational costs [6]. Group 3: Economic Implications - The average monthly income for salaried and self-employed Indians has decreased after adjusting for inflation compared to six years ago, indicating economic strain [6]. - The introduction of RTD could necessitate cultural shifts and operational redesigns, potentially affecting service continuity in manpower-sensitive sectors [6][7]. - The question remains whether India's current productivity levels and economic structure are prepared for the implementation of RTD [7]. Group 4: Potential Trial and Sector-Specific Considerations - A suggestion is made to trial RTD in specific sectors, such as IT, which has already adapted to remote working, but concerns exist about the sector's vulnerability to AI threats [8].