How Can I Create a Fair Policy for Swapping Weekly Offs in a 24x7 Support Team?

Hi all,

I have joined the new company as an HR Manager, and they have one rule that employees can swap their weekly off. This facility is only applicable to the support team, which works 24x7. Their weekly offs are scheduled on days other than Sunday. If they need to take a leave, they can swap their weekly off with their leave day. This system ensures that they can take time off when needed without officially using leave days. I need to create a policy to formalize this process.

Please assist me with this.

Thank you.

Dear Vidya,

If you are engaged in manufacturing activities, you will need to adhere to the provisions outlined in Section 52 and 53 of the Factories Act of 1948. Otherwise, the regulations specified in the Bombay Shop & Establishment Act must be followed for scheduling weekly offs. Once you confirm the applicable coverage, further details can be provided.

Thank you.

Dear KK!HR,

It's basically an IT business solution company. So, the swapping option is only available for the support team, which is a kind of helpline department.

Thank you.

Section 18 of the Bombay Shop & Establishment Act mandates that there shall be one closed day for all establishments. However, the weekly off of the staff can be staggered.

Dear Ms. Vidya, basically, for all these needs, there is a separate act called the Weekly Holiday Act, but it is not applicable for Maharashtra state. Secondly, yes, employees can exchange their weekly offs, but as per shops, you need to have a monthly duty roster in a defined format, which is supposed to be available with the HR department in advance only. If any employee wants to change his/her weekly off, he/she should be allowed to exchange it for a maximum of a day or two. Since a weekly off is supposed to be given every week, you should ensure that the employee works for a minimum of 4 days within 2 weekly offs, which will help you to comply.

Dear Ms. Vidya,

As suggested by seniors Mr. KK!HR and Manoj, here you need to follow the state acts as well as maintain the attendance register. Swapping of the weekly off can be possible for the Support team as it is a management requirement, and you are giving them alternative offs. If it is a Factory/establishment, a compensatory off should be given within ten days of working continuously; ensure that, and you can ask them to swap their regular weekly off fixed.