85% of Indians Face Work Calls During Medical Leave

A startling new report by global job site Indeed has revealed that 85% of Indian employees are regularly getting work calls by their employers during sick leave or public holidays.

Despite 79% of employers claiming to support a healthier work-life balance, the reality on the ground highlights a pervasive “always-on” culture that leaves workers digitally tethered to their desks even when physically unwell.

The data has reignited a fierce national debate over the Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025, which was recently tabled in the Lok Sabha.

Advocates argue that without legislative intervention, India’s workforce faces an unprecedented crisis of burnout and mental health decline.

The Digital Pressure Cooker: Work Survey Highlights

The survey, which sampled over 500 employees across various sectors, paints a grim picture of modern Indian corporate life.

Beyond the intrusion into sick leave, 88% of respondents reported being contacted after official work hours.

• The Fear Factor: Approximately 79% of employees feel that not responding to after-hours communication will lead to negative repercussions, such as missed promotions, damaged reputations, or project setbacks.
• The Generational Divide: There is a stark contrast in attitudes. While 88% of Baby Boomers feel “valued” when contacted outside hours, 63% of Gen Z employees stated they would consider quitting if their right to disconnect is not respected.

Why India Needs the Right to Disconnect Bill

The proposed Bill, championed by MP Supriya Sule, seeks to establish a statutory right for employees to ignore work-related communications outside agreed hours without fear of disciplinary action.

1. Mental Health & Burnout: India currently ranks second globally for extended working hours, with the average employee logging 47.7 hours per week. Constant digital pings prevent the brain from entering a state of rest, leading to chronic stress and insomnia.
2. Productivity vs. Presenteeism: Experts argue that “presenteeism”—the act of being available but not productive—actually hurts the economy. A rested employee is more creative and efficient than one trapped in a 24/7 digital loop.
3. The “Sick Leave” Paradox: Contacting employees during recovery can aggravate illnesses and prolong recovery times. The Bill proposes that the act of claiming sick leave should legally “discharge” the employee from any communication obligations.

Key Provisions on Work and Welfare of the Proposed Legislation

The Bill includes several robust measures to enforce boundaries:

• Welfare Authority: Establishment of an Employees’ Welfare Authority to monitor compliance.
• Financial Penalties: Companies violating the norms could face a fine equal to 1% of their total wage bill.
• Mandatory Negotiations: Organizations with over 10 employees must negotiate specific after-hours protocols with their staff.
• Overtime Pay: Any work performed outside scheduled hours must be compensated at a standard wage rate.

The Path Forward

While the Bill is a Private Member’s Bill—which rarely becomes law—it serves as a critical catalyst for corporate reform.

As 2026 begins, pressure is mounting on the government to incorporate these protections.

They aim to integrate these measures into the existing Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Code.

For a “Digital India” to succeed, proponents argue it must first learn the value of switching off.

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