RIGHT TO DISCONNECT

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Context:

Australia's new "right to disconnect" law aims to change how work-life balance is managed in the digital era.

What Is the ‘Right to Disconnect’?

• The 'right to disconnect' policy permits employees to refuse work-related messages outside of their allotted working hours without experiencing penalties.
• This policy is designed to address the rising issue of work-life balance, particularly when technology allows people to stay linked to their jobs around the clock.

Right to disconnect around the globe

• In 2017, France enacted a law that requires organizations to create a "charter of good conduct" that specifies when employees are not expected to engage in work-related conversations.
• Italy adopted the idea to encourage businesses to set up practices that respect workers' off-hours.
• In Belgium, the 'right to disconnect' is part of broader steps to reduce work-related stress and burnout.

The Situation in India

• The concept of the 'right to disconnect' was discussed but not adopted.
• In 2018, Supriya Sule introduced the Right to Disconnect Bill in the Lok Sabha.
  • • The bill required firms to form Employee Welfare Committees to discuss out-of-hours arrangements with their employees.
    • The bill failed to pass the legislative process.

Arguments in Favor of the ‘Right to Disconnect’

• It improves work-life balance. Employees can disconnect from work after working hours, resulting in less stress and better mental health.
• According to research, employees who set clear boundaries between work and leisure time are more effective at work.
• Employees face stress when they are always connected. The 'right to disconnect' reduces this danger by allowing employees to completely withdraw from work after working hours.

Arguments against the ‘Right to Disconnect’

• Critics claim that this approach may limit a company's flexibility, especially in areas where timely interaction is critical.
• Some are concerned that employees who strictly stick to their freedom to disconnect would be ignored for promotions or essential tasks if they are viewed as less dedicated.
• There may be difficulties in defining what constitutes "unreasonable" interaction and ensuring uniform applicability across sectors and roles.

Way Forward

The 'right to disconnect' is an important development in labour rights, highlighting the value of work-life balance in today's digital age. Though this strategy is helpful to mental health and productivity, its implementation presents difficulties. Finding a balance that supports both employee well-being and company needs will be important

Source:

Indian Express

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What is the main objective of implementing the "right to disconnect" recently seen in the news? A. To reduce the overall number of hours employees work. B. To increase the frequency of employee performance reviews. C. To improve work-life balance and prevent burnout. D. To mandate regular remote work days.   Answer: C Explanation: The "right to disconnect" is intended to assist employees in achieving a good work-life balance and prevent burnout. This right ensures that employees have no obligation to be constantly available or reply to business messages outside of their specified working hours.