In a bid to provide a more flexible work environment and support work-life balance, Accenture India has introduced a revamped leave policy. This policy caters to the diverse needs of its employees across various states and base locations. Lakshmi Chandrasekharan, Managing Director and HR Lead of Accenture India, announced this change through an email communication to the company’s vast workforce of 3 lakh employees. The core objective of this updated policy is to offer increased flexibility in managing time amidst the demands of an “always-on” work environment.
Chandrasekharan highlighted, “In our new leave structure, you can take small and big time-offs – for everything from running a small errand to attending your child’s recital to taking longer time off to care for a loved one or climb that mountain you’ve been training for.” This move signifies Accenture’s commitment to creating a work culture that values personal commitments and individual well-being.
The innovative leave policy is tailored to suit the different cities and locations where Accenture’s employees are based. For instance, employees at the Noida office are entitled to an annual leave of 40 days, covering earned leave, sick and wellness leave, and casual leave. In comparison, Bengaluru employees enjoy 30 days of annual leave, while Indore tops the chart with an impressive 45 days.
While the policy allows employees in each city to carry forward unused leave days, there are certain limitations on the number of days that can be rolled over. For instance, Delhi and Bengaluru employees are restricted from carrying forward more than 45 days of leave. Notably, it has been reported that Bengaluru employees have been granted an additional 5 days of leave compared to the previous year. Moreover, the new leave policy introduces casual leave as a part of the leave structure.
This revamped policy also includes changes to different types of leave. Earned leaves, which previously numbered 24, have now been adjusted to 18 under the new policy. Concurrently, the number of casual and sick leave days has been augmented to 12, enabling employees to take time off when they are unwell or need a brief break.
The revised leave year will initiate on September 1 and conclude on August 31. However, it’s important to note that employees will require authorization and approval from management to utilize their earned leave. Additionally, notifying supervisors is mandatory for taking sick or casual leave. Notably, the policy permits employees to avail two consecutive days of casual leave within a fortnight, with the option of extending it by obtaining clearance from their superiors.
The introduction of this revamped leave policy reaffirms Accenture’s commitment to fostering a conducive work environment that values employee well-being and acknowledges the diverse needs of its workforce.
In conclusion, Accenture India’s adoption of a flexible leave policy is poised to provide employees with the autonomy and flexibility to manage their time effectively, enabling them to achieve a harmonious work-life balance.
