Sandwich Leave Policy: Is It Fair, Legal, and Beneficial for Employees and Companies?

Hi members,

I have a few questions and would like your suggestions regarding the Sandwich Leave Policy.

- Is the Sandwich Leave Policy justifiable?
- Is it being followed by all companies/industries?
- Is it legal/illegal?
- Is it beneficial for the company?
- If this policy is removed and an employee takes leave for more than a week, for example, 10 days, should all 10 days be adjusted against paid leave, or should Sundays be excluded?

Since joining a month ago, I haven't noticed any issues with employees taking excessive leave unless necessary. I am considering removing this policy as I believe it causes unnecessary stress for employees. What is your opinion on this?

For your reference, the company's working hours are 9:00 am to 6:30 pm Monday to Friday and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday. Sunday is a day off for all employees, and confirmed employees are entitled to 21 days of paid leave.

Thank you.

Hi, Sandwich leave policy is employer-specific and not a legal requirement. For long holidays in between, the week off should be counted as leave only. If you want to remove the sandwich leave policy, you need to discuss the same with your employer. Explain to them about the impact.

Hello, let's address your questions and concerns regarding the Sandwich Leave Policy:

Is the Sandwich Leave Policy justifiable?

The justification for the Sandwich Leave Policy depends on the company's specific needs and the industry in which it operates. It can be justifiable in some cases where work continuity is crucial, and having an employee take leave in the middle of the week might disrupt operations. It could also be useful in managing employee attendance and ensuring that employees are not taking extended weekends off regularly.

Is it being followed by all companies/industries?

The implementation of the Sandwich Leave Policy varies from company to company and is not a universal practice. Some organizations may choose to have such a policy, while others might opt for more flexible leave arrangements.

Is it legal/illegal?

The legality of the Sandwich Leave Policy depends on the labor laws and regulations of the specific country or region where the company operates. In some places, there might be laws governing the number of consecutive working days, rest periods, and leave entitlements. It's essential to ensure that the policy complies with the applicable labor laws to avoid any legal issues.

Is it beneficial for the company?

The benefit of the Sandwich Leave Policy for the company depends on its specific requirements and operational dynamics. While it may help ensure continuous work progress, it could also impact employee morale and work-life balance negatively. Companies need to carefully assess the pros and cons before implementing such a policy.

Adjusting leave for more than a week's absence

If the Sandwich Leave Policy is removed, and an employee takes leave for more than a week (e.g., 10 days), the leave policy should be adjusted according to the company's existing policies. For example, the 10 days could be adjusted against the employee's paid leave entitlement. If the employee does not have enough paid leave remaining, the excess days may be considered as unpaid leave.

As you mentioned that employees in your company are not taking excessive leaves and you feel that the Sandwich Leave Policy causes unnecessary heartburn, it might be worth considering a more flexible leave policy that allows employees to take leaves in a manner that suits their needs and ensures business continuity. Perhaps, a standard leave policy that includes paid leaves and a provision for longer leaves if necessary could be explored.

When considering any changes to the company's leave policy, it is essential to involve stakeholders, gather feedback from employees, and ensure compliance with relevant labor laws. This will help in making informed decisions that benefit both the employees and the organization.