New Delhi: A Delhi-based public relations firm Elite Marque, has granted its employees a paid nine-day Diwali break, a rare and generous gesture that has earned the company widespread appreciation and positive publicity.
Employees at the firm say they couldn’t be happier with the decision, calling it an unexpected yet heartwarming move that reflects true concern for staff well-being.
According to the company’s CEO, Rajat Grover, the idea stemmed from a simple act of kindness rather than a planned strategy. He said, ‘‘The initiative came straight from the heart It was not like it was a planned move. When people move from one organisation to another and experience a change in culture, their expectations are also the same. When they get something like this (a nine-day holiday), it gives motivation, and the vibes it creates are on a different level. People think that yes, this company is thinking about us. And I think everyone should do that.
Interestingly, even the Human Resources team was caught by surprise when the idea was first discussed. Riya, an HR official at Elite Marque, recalled ‘’One day I was sitting with Rajat and, of course, we were having the discussion about the Diwali breaks. My suggestion to him coming from corporate, was two days of break. I said it's Diwali and we should give them two days of holiday. To my surprise he came up with this idea, he was like, "Riya let's give nine days of holiday." And I was like... nine days of holidays? Are you checking on me? And then he was like, "No, let's keep it as nine days of holiday for everyone."
Employees described the paid break as a rare privilege in today’s work culture. One public relations executive said that ‘’ As an adult, it's not normal to get paid leave for nine days. It’s a big thing. We don’t usually take that long a leave, because it could mean a pay cut, and losing salary is a big thing for us. Getting paid leave feels just like the vacations we used to have in our childhood. It’s exciting, fun, and something new. I don’t think many others would offer such leaves or even consider it. So, this is truly a big thing for us.
Another employee, Mehak, shared, “At that time when we received the email, the first thought that came in my mind was my parents would be so happy about it because at the end of the day, I am not from Delhi; I come from out of station. So, of course, the first thing that I remember... that I shared a screenshot with my parents... that this is what is happening. After a long time I will be going back home. So, it was honestly surprising but at the same time you just realise that point of time that you are working for a good company where the people understand... the leadership actually understands that the employee happiness there comes into part and, of course, it made us feel all very happy at that moment.’’
Elite Marque’s initiative has since gone viral on social media, sparking conversations about the importance of work-life balance and the need for more employee-centric policies in the corporate world.