Gifting a Leave To Someone In Need

Some companies are allowing employees to give their extra leave days to colleagues who need more time off, and in return, they receive rewards. A recent Deloitte survey revealed to The Economic Times that companies adopting this policy aim to foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration. It’s particularly helpful for new employees with limited vacation days. The study covered over 200 firms in various sectors, including manufacturing, services, pharmaceuticals, technology, financial services, and consumer goods. Companies like Marico, Persistent Systems, and BT Group India have confirmed implementing this policy.

Neelesh Gupta, Director at Deloitte India, explained that the ‘Gift-a-Leave’ policy promotes camaraderie and collaboration while reducing financial liabilities for organisations. This innovative practice is gaining popularity, especially in progressive companies.

BT Group India introduced the policy in August 2023, and though it’s currently used in crisis situations (less than 1% utilisation), the feedback has been positive, according to Jay Muthu, HR Director at BT Group India. Additionally, BT Group offers a ‘Flexi Bank Holiday’ option, allowing employees to choose their public holidays and one personal day.

Other companies, like Marico and Persistent Systems, also have similar policies. Marico has a ‘Leave Sharing’ policy that enables employees to support each other in meeting personal and professional commitments. Persistent Systems expanded its ‘Donate/Gift Your Leave’ policy beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing employees to contribute their leave or its cash equivalent to the company’s CSR fund to support underprivileged segments of society.