NEW DELHI: A recent survey conducted by Indeed, the global job matching and hiring platform, reveals that 79 per cent of Indian employers believe that implementing a “right to disconnect” policy at work would be a positive step forward.
A while after Australia implemented the ‘right to disconnect’ rule, an EY employee allegedly lost her life to work pressure. This started a chain reaction in which several people have asked if the ‘hustle’ and ‘always on; culture is worth it. This has also raised the issues of rising stress levels and employee burnout.
In the recent Indeed survey, 88 per cent of Indian employees admitted that they are regularly contacted by their employers outside of work hours, with 85 per cent reporting that this communication continues even during sick leave or public holidays. However, a majority of the employees (79 per cent) 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.
Generational difference
However, this is not a common trend across generations. The survey data shows a significant generational divide when it comes to attitudes towards after-hours communication and the right to disconnect. Baby Boomers (88 per cent) are more likely to feel valued when contacted outside of work hours, likely reflecting a traditional work ethic that emphasises loyalty and availability. For many in this generation, constant availability is viewed as a mark of dedication and reliability.
On the other hand, over 50 per cent 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 per cent 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 per cent 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.
Employers worried about losing top talent
Interestingly, the survey also shows that 81 per cent 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 per cent 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 per cent of job seekers agree that they have a right to disconnect and trust that their managers would honour such a policy. Additionally, 81 per cent 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.
Agencies

Agencies