Abstract

The expansion of digital technologies has fundamentally altered the nature of work, dissolving temporal and physical boundaries between professional and personal life. In India, prolonged working hours, increased smartphone use and the normalization of hybrid and remote work have intensified expectations of constant availability of the employee . This study undertakes a descriptive analysis of the need for Right-to-Disconnect (RTD) policies in India using secondary data from government sources, international organizations, academic literature, and current developments in media and public policy. By examining global standards, Indian labour conditions, ongoing legislative efforts, and corporate practices, the paper evaluates whether formal legal recognition of the RTD is necessary. Findings indicate that India’s long working hours, rising burnout complaints, and digital over-engagement highlight a compelling need of the policy. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at balancing economic productivity with employee well-being.

Keywords: Right to Disconnect, Work–Life Balance, Digital Labour, India, Policy Analysis, Burnout