Should Companies Offer Leave Instead of Overtime for Training on Off Days?

Please advise: Should the company replace overtime or provide leave as a replacement for employees attending training during their off day?

Please advise: should the company replace overtime or provide leave replacement for those employees attending training during their off day?

Training is given to employees to upgrade their own skills and is company-sponsored to help employees perform better and faster in their tasks. I personally believe that the new skills acquired should be utilized immediately. No leave should be given. On one hand, the company invests in employee training, and on the other hand, why should they take leave? I see no link in this.

Abhishek
9999100222

Hi,

Personally, I feel that training should not be scheduled on off days because trainees will not enjoy it. They would prefer to be with their family members or to have some private time. Alternatively, training should be so impactful that they feel they have gained extraordinary skills.

Believe me, taking care of small things really matters; otherwise, we will not be able to achieve the purpose of training.

Aparna Sethi

Hi there,

Whether training is conducted during working days or off days, the day is considered a working day. If the company chooses to conduct training on a weekend, which encroaches upon staff off days, a replacement day must be granted as an off day replacement. To manage the situation effectively, the replacement off day must be used within an agreed time period (for example, within a week upon completion of the training). Postponing the replacement leave to a longer timeframe could render the replacement null and void. From a clinical perspective, the replacement off day serves as a rest day, aiding in the recovery of one's health, mental well-being, and spiritual state after a long workweek. Hence, it is not considered a benefit like annual leave.

On the other hand, it is incumbent upon the company to train, retrain, and untrain staff continuously. Training serves as a tool to enhance staff knowledge, skills, and abilities required for their roles. Such programs are essential tools of the trade for staff to excel in their positions, representing an investment by the company in terms of time and cost. Ultimately, the company must be able to measure the return on investment (ROI) from the training initiatives undertaken.

Remember, neither the staff nor the company should take advantage of the situation.

Thank you.