Whether you work remotely or from an office, there's no doubt that smartphones are one of the key ways modern businesses get things done.

But this convenience is also a problem. An estimated three-quarters of Brits have been contacted by a colleague or manager about work on their day off, with almost a third of that contact taking place over WhatsApp.

While trade unions and researchers call for governments to introduce a 'right to disconnect' and ensure holidays remain holidays, one tech company has taken matters into its own hands.

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Mumbai-based fantasy sports firm Dream11 has introduced steep fines for any employees that contact their colleagues with 'work-related calls or messages' on their days off.

The company, which says it wants employees to "switch off and enjoy a healthy work-life balance", will fine staff 100,00 rupees (almost £1000) for breaking the rules.

The policy, called 'Unplug', demands that staff members log off from all office work for seven days per year.

A statement from the firm said: "Individuals who have opted for an unplugged leave are logged out of… emails, Slack and WhatsApp groups."

Dream11's cofounders told CNBC in December that the policy has been a success so far.

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The company's CEO, Harsh Jain, said: "Once a year, for one week, you're kicked out of the system… you don't have Slack, emails and calls.

"Because it helps you greatly to have that one week of uninterrupted time and it helps the businesses to know whether we're dependent on anyone."

The company's cofounder, Bhavit Sheth, said: "No one wants to be that jerk who called someone who was on unplug."

Dream11 is worth more than a billion dollars and allows people to play fantasy sports leagues, including fantasy cricket, and win cash prizes.

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