Why Do Companies Use Suffix and Prefix Leave Policies? HR Insights Needed

Understanding the Motive Behind Suffix and Prefix Leave Policy

In my opinion, it is just mere intervention or confusion for employees. Could you please share, as an HR professional, where it is beneficial and worth keeping this policy?

If the policy permits prefixing and suffixing holidays to leave, it allows the employee to enjoy longer leave without exhausting much of their leave. Thus, it is beneficial from the employee's point of view. On the other hand, if the policy prohibits such suffixing and prefixing of leave with holidays, it aims to discourage employees from taking longer periods of leave and to prevent many employees from being on leave simultaneously. For example, many employees may wish to combine Diwali Holidays with their leave, resulting in significant absenteeism during a specific period.

Regards,
B. Saikumar
Mumbai

There is no harm in allowing prefixes and suffixes with leave as long as the employee reports in time the next working day. There is no point in trying to have an obsessive-compulsive control of subordinates because that alienates the employee. However, it should be made clear to the employee that they should be back on the next working day in time, as trains are always late/cancelled, and traffic jams are very common. Giving Sundays and holidays as prefixes and suffixes should not be made into a big deal.

Regards,
Kakkar

As a general principle, any weekly off or closed day, either falling before the commencement of leave or after the expiry of the leave period, can be prefixed or suffixed. It does not affect the working of the establishment. However, one should specifically mention in their leave application that they intend to add it as a prefix or suffix. It is beneficial in the interest of both the employee and management.

Regards,
RL Dhingra, Advocate.
Labour Law Consultant, Delhi
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