In a unique step towards employee welfare, internet e-commerce company Meesho has rolled out a wellness leave policy for employees.?
As per an ET report, the policy will enable employees to avail up to 365 days of paid leave and is applicable if an employee or their loved one is impacted by a critical illness that requires frequent or constant hospitalization. The policy is also applicable to employees who want to take time off to pursue an individual passion or goal.
Employees will reportedly be entitled to full salary payment throughout the tenure of the leave for self-illness, whereas up to 25% will be paid for three months in case of a family member's illness. In addition to compensation, employees will continue to receive other important benefits such as contribution of provident fund, insurance, and additional medical benefits.
However, for those who are taking time off for non-medical reasons, the leave will be unpaid.
The initiative is part of the company's 'MeeCARE' programme that is aimed at boosting holistic well-being for employees and their families. The programme covers a broad spectrum of wellness initiatives through a combination of policies, benefits and other interventions, as per ET.
"We were seeing cases where employees needed long leave for pursuing personal goals, or needed extended time off if they were ill, or if a family member was critically ill. This new policy is a recognition of those needs," Ashish Kumar Singh, CHRO at Meesho, reportedly told ET.
"We don't expect large numbers of people availing of this policy because of its nature, but we do think it's a high-impact programme," Singh said.
As part of continuation of all the fundamental benefits, employees will also be eligible for appraisal cycles based on the contributions over the timeframe when they were actively working.?
With an aim to help employees smoothly transition back to work and resurrect career paths, they will be able to return to work in the same role as designated earlier. The employee will be further placed in a parallel role of his / her choice within another team in the absence of the same position.
Also Read:?12 Companies In India That Offer Period Leave To Their Female Employees
The Bengaluru-based firm has 2,000-odd employees. In April last year, the company turned unicorn after it raised $300 million in a funding round led by Japan¡¯s SoftBank Group, the ET report stated.
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