How Can I Convince Management to Support More Annual Leave and a 5-Day Workweek?

I am handling the HR department in a small-scale industry. There is no specific format for HR policies; only recruitment, etc., is done by HR. Now, I would like to propose new suggestions such as increasing annual leave and implementing a five-day workweek. How should I approach my management about these changes?

Dear Jyoti, while bringing change, it is important to go step by step. Therefore, propose one thing at a time. At this, you need to give priority to legal compliance. Please check whether you fulfill the provisions of the Factories Act or Shops and Establishment Act of your state, as applicable. Your leave policy and policy on working hours, etc., should be derived from either act.

As far as the conversion of a 6-day week to a 5-day week is concerned, you need to show the management how productivity will improve with this change. Therefore, please conduct a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) on this subject. However, for now, you may defer this proposal.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Dear Jyoti, I simply want to know what prompted you to adopt a 5-day working week for your establishment. I do not think that change can be brought about in a simple manner. Whenever one wants to initiate change, it does not simply happen. This requires a subjective study on various aspects, including opportunities and threats. Is this based on your personal views, management decisions, or employee feedback? In cases where a 5-day working week is implemented, longer working hours are often required, falling under overtime (OT) rules.

You need to analyze the social, economic, and legal implications that may arise from this change. It is essential to gauge the perspectives of both management and employees within your establishment. Things may appear appealing from a distance, but flaws become evident upon closer inspection.

Considerations for Holidays and Strikes

What would be your stance if a situation arises where Saturday-Sunday is the weekly off, Monday is a National Holiday (NH), Tuesday is a Festival Holiday (FH), and Wednesday is declared a holiday due to a state ruling party's call for a strike? Is your industry a continuous process? These are crucial considerations to keep in mind. Always assess the potential negative impacts and their solutions to effectively plan your proposal for optimal results.

I hope this helps in addressing your concerns and considerations. Thank you for your attention to these matters.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Before even thinking of changes in employee service conditions of a peripheral nature like a 5-day workweek or an increase in leave, you need to thoroughly do your homework/groundwork on the core aspects of the business.

Understanding the Business

Firstly, understand thoroughly the vital aspects of your business processes, from product manufacturing to reaching the customer, the cost of doing it, profitability, and deliverables to the customer. Understand the competition, the service conditions of employees, performance standards, and the total picture of what gives a competitive advantage/edge.

Choosing Areas for Change

Based on the total picture, choose the most important area for change, such as remuneration, productivity improvement-related incentives, leaves, fringe benefits, etc.

Remember, no management will support any improvements in employment conditions, except those required by law, which are unlikely to immediately or in the long run, improve work efficiency, productivity, or any other advantages. It is simply a matter of give and take.

Regards,
Vinayak Nagarkar
HR Consultant