How Do I Create a Fair Saturday Off Policy for Select Staff Based on Grade and Department?

Dear HR Professionals, I am working in a packaging company with 150+ employees. I need to establish a Saturday off policy that will apply to certain staff members based on their grade and department. Could you please assist me in drafting this policy?

Thank you and regards,
Manisha

Dear Manisha,

The policies are always customized. The policies reflect the internal work culture of the company or even the mindset of the top boss. We, the members of this forum, are outsiders and do not know the internal dynamics of your company. Against this backdrop, it would be too difficult for us to create a policy. Nevertheless, you may design a policy on your own and upload it here. The senior members will correct it.

Alongside, let me put forth my other concerns as well. The Head Office of many companies works for five days. This happens even though at the plant level, people may work for six days. However, in the same plant, if a few departments work for five days and others for six days, then it may create discontent in the minds of those who will work for six days. They may perceive it as inequality and may question the rationale behind the unequal treatment. What if the staff that works on Saturdays start asking for extra wages? What will be your take on this?

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Dear Manisha,

The policy can be drafted as mentioned below:

OFFICER ORDER

Subject: Saturday Holiday

Preamble: To have a better work-life balance

Applicability: All Executives, Officers, JMC & Supervisors in the administration block

Working Timings: General Shift timings will be from 8:30 AM to 5:45 PM

Work Exigency: During emergencies, the holiday may be canceled, and employees can be called to work as per the requirement. They can’t claim any alternative leave.

Rule:

1. Only two Saturdays will be holidays in a month. The 5th Saturday, if any, will be a working day.

2. In view of this, an extra 45 minutes of work will be done every day, and these officers will be given an alternative Saturday off as per the annexure.

3. Employees should avail of holidays as per the list declared. Any change in the list should be informed to the HR Department in advance for attendance purposes.

4. Trainees/workmen/contract workmen who are working in the Administration block will continue to work for 6 days a week as per existing rules.

5. HODs will ensure that work does not get affected due to this change.

6. Officers should be punctual to work and should maintain timings. The lunch break is for half an hour only and will be in two batches: 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM & 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM.

7. The above arrangement will continue until further orders.