Struggling with High Leave Requests? How Can HR Reduce Employee Absences?

I am working as an HR Manager in a Pvt. Ltd. company. I want to know the actual policies for employees. Currently, we are providing 15 CL, 7 PL, and 15 ML. However, it has become very problematic for me. Can you suggest ways in which I can decrease the number of leaves taken by employees?

Thank you.

Can someone guide where the 240 days come from? What about maternity leave—are there any provisions under the Shops Act in Bombay? What are the timing rules? Is travel time to a site considered as duty hours?

Thank you and regards,
Rajiv A
Director
Aditya Environmental Services

I am from Gujarat and in the real estate and entertainment business. We are providing the following types of leaves; this information may be helpful for your reference:

- 6 CL
- 6 SL
- 18 PL (1 PL for every 20 days worked; after 240 days, i.e., 8 months, employees are eligible to avail PL).

If any seniors from Gujarat would like to add or comment on this, please do so.

Regards,
Dilip

Understanding the 240-Day Rule
Can someone guide where the 240 days come from? It is as per the act. Check out the Wages Act or search for leave policies on the internet; you will find details about it.

Maternity Leave Provisions
What about maternity leave? Are there any provisions under the Shops Act in Bombay? There is only the Maternity Act available, and it is applicable to all states. It is not state-bound; rather, it is applicable to the whole of India.

Timing Rules for Workers
What are the timing rules? It is normally 48 hours a week for workers. As executives, we don't keep track of timings and work long hours. Check out the Factories Act (applicable to the whole of India) or the Shop & Establishment Act pertaining to the state.

Travel Time Consideration
Is travel time to a site considered as duty hours? Yes, it is also considered as duty hours.

Regards,
Bavani

I could not understand how a Human Resources Manager can ask such a question. There are laws prevailing in the country to protect employees' interests and welfare, which shall be adhered to by companies. When considering the number of days to be given to employees, the management should take into consideration what quality of human resources they require. Employees who take reasonable rest (leave) will contribute more to the organization. In simple terms, the laws of the land and employee welfare measures are the guiding factors.

Dear all, as per the legal requirements of the Factory Act of 1948, if an employee works for or is paid for 240 days in a year, they are entitled to 18 paid leaves, 7 casual leaves, and medical benefits including 12 days of medical leave. Female employees who give birth are entitled to 180 days of maternity leave as per the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961, with payment for the same period if they have worked for 240 days in the last year, including Sundays, leaves, and holidays.

Thank you,

Regards,
Krishna Kant Singh
HRD Incharge
Amrapali Exports
Sitapura, Jaipur.

Please follow the Standing Orders or Factories Act to adhere to the leave rules.

Regards,
N. Nataraajhan, Sakthi Management Services

The information contains employees from Maharashtra, MP, AP, Karnataka, and UP. Can someone tell me how many leaves (PL/SL/CL) are allowed in Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Gujarat?

Regards,
P. Raj

You can reduce the leaves provided to the employees presently by placing a notice on your notice board and after giving proper intimation to the affected employees, subject to the condition that these leaves could not be less than as prescribed under the Leave law applicable to your State. Please review the leave rules applicable in your State and adjust these leaves accordingly.

Thanks

Regards,
R B Yadav, Advocate