Diwali Gift from Corporate India! Employees got a long Diwali holiday, companies extended breaks to celebrate

As soon as the festival of Diwali comes, working people look forward to the holidays the most. Spending time with family, going home, shopping and preparing for the holidays are special for every employee. Now realizing this need of employees, companies are also thinking of extending Diwali holidays. Many companies are taking steps to give employees longer holiday breaks than ever before. The motive behind this change is not only to keep employees happy, but also to promote work-life balance, employee satisfaction and a better workplace culture.

Which companies gave how many days leave?

This year, companies have arranged 3 to 9 days festive break for their employees. Various companies have fixed holidays according to their business schedule and the needs of their employees.

1. Embassy Group: Real estate company Embassy Group has given leave to its nearly 2,000 employees for 9 consecutive days from November 7 to 15. The company says that this is its old tradition. Employees are given ample time to celebrate festivals with family under the company’s People First policy.
2. Cashiers: Cashback and coupon platform CashKaro has furloughed its nearly 320 employees for 6 consecutive days from November 6 to 11. Swati Bhargava, co-founder of the company, said in an ET report that festive sales are very busy during Diwali. After the sale is over, employees are given time off, so they can spend time with family and return to work with renewed energy.
3. Myntra: Fashion e-commerce company Myntra has announced two days of extra leave for its employees on November 9 and 10. The leave is being given after the end of the company’s Big Fashion Festival. The aim of the company during the festive sale is to recognize the hard work of its employees and give them an opportunity to enjoy the festival. Apart from this, Myntra is also providing facilities like health checkup, massage session and financial wellness session for the employees.
4. Global aspect: The company has scheduled a four-day festive break from November 8 to 11 for its approximately 2,300 employees. The company is also allowing employees to combine this break with their remaining holidays. However, this will require work requirement and management approval.
5. JSW MG Motor India: The company has also arranged holidays for the employees in such a way that they can get three consecutive days off. The company has more than 8,000 employees in direct and indirect roles. The company also organizes meals and festival related activities for its employees in its office.
6. Fidelity International: The company organizes get-togethers, office celebrations, special food menus and community activities to bring team members together. Its focus is not only on giving a holiday, but also on mutual bonding among employees and sharing the joy of the festival.

Why are companies extending Diwali holidays?

1. Emphasis on work-life balance: Companies are realizing that employees’ lives are not limited to the office and work. Spending time with family is also important during festivals.
2. Reducing Employee Fatigue: Work pressure increases in e-commerce, retail and other companies before Diwali. In such a situation, employees can relax by taking leave after the sales and business season is over.
3. ATTRACTING BETTER TALENT WITH THE COMPANY: Better vacations and employee benefits help companies create a better workplace. This can increase employee satisfaction and engagement with the company.
4. Employees get an opportunity to go home: It is not easy for employees working in different cities of the country to reach their homes on Diwali. Long vacations give them ample time to travel and celebrate festivals with family.

Will all employees get long leave?

Not every company is giving equal leave to all its employees. Holidays depend on company policy, operations and employee roles. Especially in areas like e-commerce, delivery, manufacturing and customer service, work has to continue even during festivals. In such a situation, some companies adopt options like additional payment, leave on other dates or flexibility in shifts. For example, companies are also providing additional earning opportunities to employees who work on holidays.