Tag: Work Life Balance

Human Interest

Karnataka Police Personnel to Get Leave on Birthdays & Anniversaries in Morale-Boosting Move

allycaralgoa

In a move widely being hailed as empathetic and progressive, the Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) has issued a circular mandating leave for all police personnel on their birthdays and wedding anniversaries.

The order, dated January 29, underscores the importance of allowing officers and staff to spend quality time with their families, highlighting that emotional well-being plays a crucial role in enhancing morale, reducing stress, and improving overall job satisfaction.

According to the circular, all unit officers across the state have been directed to grant this special leave without exception. Unit heads have been made directly responsible for ensuring strict implementation of the directive, reinforcing accountability within the system.

The DGP’s note also points out that a motivated and mentally balanced police force is essential for maintaining discipline, efficiency, and professionalism in service. By acknowledging the personal sacrifices made by police personnel—who often work long hours under stressful and demanding conditions—the initiative aims to build trust, loyalty, and a stronger sense of belonging within the force.

The decision has been widely viewed as a humanitarian gesture, setting an example for other departments to prioritise employee welfare alongside operational efficiency. Many see this as a reminder that compassionate leadership can go a long way in strengthening institutions.

Human Interest

Right to Disconnect Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha Signals Major Relief for Employees

allycaralgoa

Delhi, December 8, 2025: In a major move towards strengthening employee welfare in India’s increasingly connected digital environment, the Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025, was introduced in the Lok Sabha during the fifth day of Parliament’s winter session. The session commenced on December 1.

The private member’s bill was introduced by Supriya Sule, Lok Sabha MP from the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar). Highlighting the urgent need to curb digital burnout, Sule stated that the Bill aims to “foster a better quality of life and a healthier work–life balance” by protecting employees from the pressure of after-hours work communication. She also posted a video of her speech on X, emphasising the growing stress caused by always-on work culture.

Key Provisions of the Right to Disconnect Bill

If enacted, the Bill will:

  • Prohibit employers from mandating employees to answer calls, emails, or messages after working hours.
  • Allow workers complete freedom to disconnect during weekends, public holidays, and approved leave.
  • Require organisations to clearly define official working hours and set expectations regarding communication.
  • Impose financial penalties on employers who violate these rights.
  • Establish an employee welfare authority to resolve work–life balance–related grievances.

Advocates believe this reform could bring India closer to global labour standards, where countries like France and Portugal have similar protections for employees’ personal time.

Additional Employee-Focused Bills Introduced

Supriya Sule presented two more private member’s bills focused on worker welfare:

  • The Paternity and Paternal Benefits Bill, 2025, which seeks to provide paid paternal leave to enable fathers to participate actively in early child development.
  • The Code on Social Security (Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposing formal recognition of gig workers as a separate category eligible for minimum wages, regulated hours, social security, and improved working conditions.

On the same day, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor introduced a bill seeking to amend the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, to cap working hours. Citing alarming data — including that 51% of India’s workforce works more than 49 hours a week and 78% experiences burnout — Tharoor noted the urgent need to safeguard workers’ physical and mental wellbeing.

With these multiple proposals, Parliament has seen a renewed focus on employee rights, mental health, and labour reforms.

Human Interest

Infosys Counters 70-Hour Work Week Push: Employees Told to Prioritize Health Over Overtime

allycaralgoa

In a decisive move reflecting changing workplace values, Infosys has issued internal guidance encouraging its employees to steer clear of excessive work hours and instead focus on personal well-being and a healthy work-life balance.

This development comes in sharp contrast to Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s recent comments, which sparked widespread debate after he suggested that young Indians should work 70 hours a week to accelerate the country’s progress.

A Shift in Culture

While Murthy’s comments were positioned as a call for national productivity and stronger work ethics, many professionals and corporate leaders criticized the idea, calling it outdated and potentially harmful to mental health. Infosys’s internal communication marks a clear departure from that stance.

According to sources within the company, employees were reminded that:

  • Well-being is a priority in the company’s evolving work culture
  • Overtime is discouraged, especially if it impacts physical or mental health
  • Output and efficiency matter more than long hours

This move also aligns Infosys with broader global trends, where many companies are focusing on employee retention, mental health support, and flexible work models post-pandemic.

Industry Reactions

Infosys’s stand has been widely praised by professionals across the IT and tech industries. Many see it as a refreshing move from a major Indian company that not only values productivity but also recognizes human limits.

A senior industry analyst noted, “This could signal a shift in India’s tech sector away from hustle culture and toward a more balanced, sustainable approach to work.”

Employees Respond

Early reactions from Infosys employees have been largely positive, with many welcoming the company’s efforts to create a more supportive and humane work environment.

One employee shared anonymously, “It’s encouraging to know the company cares about us beyond deadlines. Productivity doesn’t mean burnout.”

Looking Ahead

With Infosys setting the tone, other major players in India’s tech space may feel increased pressure to adopt similar people-first policies. In an era where talent retention and mental health are critical to business success, companies are realizing that working smarter—not longer—is the future.