The hustle culture in India is so prominent that the lines between personal and professional are often blurred. The current narrative of disconnecting from work is truly a hot topic in the industry, and there are a lot of mixed opinions. Additionally, with the rise in remote and hybrid work, it is becoming increasingly challenging for employees to maintain a boundary between personal and professional.
Recently, an employee succumbing to death due to alleged work pressure raised several eyebrows, sparking the debate of work-life balance in India. Such tragic incidents highlight how the right to disconnect is a pressing issue and is an important right for all.
How Indians look at approaching their paid time off or when they are holidays depends on is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Cultural, social, and a host of other factors need to be taken into account to understand the work dynamics.
Can Employees Truly Disconnect After Work?
If you find yourself having to respond to work emails and texts during your paid time off or after work hours, you are not alone. Research suggests that around 70% of Indian employees agree that they still check in with work when they take time off due to pressure or the work culture.
What’s interesting to note is that this is somewhat normalized in Indian work culture. It is a norm in most workplaces and expected by organizations for their employees to keep a tab on their work phones and emails, even during their holidays, whereas contacting after work hours is often frowned upon in other cultures.
Disconnecting from work after official hours is required to keep the symphony between work and life and to take care of one’s well-being. Stress and burnout are major reasons today leading to lower productivity, mental health issues, disengagement, and more. There is a need for India to recognise the importance of the right to switch off from work and have some laws in place.
But why is it so hard for us to truly unplug?
The Constant Juggle
In India, the work culture is deeply ingrained with the idea that dedication and hard work are paramount. Many of us feel there is pressure to stay connected and be available, even when we're technically off the clock. This may arise from a variety of factors, including societal expectations and the rapid pace of modern work life. A survey by Indeed reveals that 88% of Indian employees are contacted outside work hours, with 85% even during sick leave or holidays. The urgency culture of Indian workspaces is another reason why employees find it hard to disconnect.
Is Technology a Contributing Factor?
While technological advancements have truly revolutionized how we work and are connected, the ability to work from anywhere and being connected over emails, instant messaging apps, and texts has made it easier for employers to connect with employees at any time. This is also normalized in workplaces and seen as a sign of commitment and hard work to follow up on work emails and be readily available.
Social and Cultural Factors
In India, cultural expectations significantly impact how professionals approach their holidays or time off. It's quite common for employees to check their emails during vacations due to workplace norms or because it is expected from them. The "always on-the-go" mindset is deeply ingrained, and the social and hierarchical structure of workplaces is also a strong factor. This strong sense of duty and commitment is quite common among Indians, which again reinforces this behavior.
Social factors also make it challenging to disconnect. Many employees feel uncomfortable ignoring work calls during festivals, fearing it might negatively impact their performance or reputation.
How Can You Truly Disconnect from Work?
Knowing how to disconnect from work can help you prioritize yourself and also maintain a healthy balance. While working hours and workplace policies may vary, there are some universal tips you can follow:
Whether you are working from home or the office, it is important to set boundaries and expectations at your workplace. If you are working from home, set a routine for working hours—clocking in and out at specific times. Turn off work notifications after work hours unless necessary. Work can always wait. But family time and self-care are also important.
If you’re on paid time off, inform your team and colleagues to set clear expectations. Transparent communication helps your peers understand your availability. Utilize automatic replies during holidays and vacations to keep everyone in the loop. Furthermore, practicing mindfulness after work hours can help you disengage from work-related stress. Constantly worrying about work during your PTO cancels out the whole purpose of your leave.
Many employers now recognize the importance of allowing employees to disconnect after work hours. This not only benefits the employees but also enhances overall productivity and well-being. It might be time for India to implement work policies that encourage this culture and ensure a healthier work-life balance for everyone.
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