Open-Ended Leave Policies in India: Are Companies Seeing Real Benefits?

Are there companies already adopting such policies, and are they seeing any impact? I understand there are challenges in adapting it, but isn't it progressive, inculcates trust, fit for today's workforce, less administrative, no accrued liability for an organization, experiential learning for managers and individuals to take ownership. Please share views.

I have no idea whether any company in India has adopted an unrestricted leave policy. In a country like India, where working hours, overtime hours, weekly offs, and national and festival holidays are statutorily regulated, I do not think the concept of an unrestricted leave facility fits into the work culture here. This policy may be in vogue in Western countries, where working hours, leave, and holidays are free from regulation or less regulated, and the employer is not concerned about how long an employee is on leave as long as they finish their job within deadlines.

However, a leave policy that allows employees to enjoy their leave as per their needs within the given framework of existing policies may align more with Indian work culture. It would be interesting to hear others' views on this issue.

Regards, B. Saikumar HR & Labour Relations Adviser Navi Mumbai