India-based PR and communications business Media Mantra has updated its annual leave allowance, effective from 1 January 2023, to create a more inclusive policy for its almost 100 employees.
The revised leave policy introduced six additional days, labelled #MMCares leave, taking the total available to staff to 31 days overall per calendar year. The #MMCares leave days allow employees to take days off for whatever reason they see fit, rather than fitting within specific categories such as sick or holiday leave. All employees are eligible to the annual leave policy, regardless of length of service or seniority.
Media Mantra's package also includes 18 days of standard holiday, six casual or sick days, as well as mandatory birthday leave. In addition, the organisation provides statutory maternity leave, seven days of paternity leave, and 10 days of marriage leave.
The organisation introduced the #MMCares leave in order to allow staff to take up new hobbies, spend time with family, focus on wellbeing, and upskill, for example. It also aimed the initiative at those employees who need time to overcome menstrual pain without cutting into their sick or annual allowances.
Pooja Pathak, founder and director of Media Mantra, said: "Driven by the core tenet of people-first, Media Mantra understands how the needs of every employee is unique and diverse in nature. That's why we introduced #MMCares initiative which is aimed at encouraging employees to find their ‘ikigai’ (reason for being in Japanese).
"As our employees continue to contribute towards the success of our organisation, we, too, want to repay their faith by giving them an opportunity to focus on themselves. With #MMCares at the forefront, our diligent workforce can now use these paid leaves to fulfil their own dreams in the manner they want. By the virtue of these leaves, we are looking to help our employees de stress and return to the working environment with better focus and vigour."
Rekha Gehani, HR adviser at Media Mantra, added: "The #MMCares initiative is the cornerstone of our revised leave policy. At a time when organisations are navigating through consistent market changes with noticeable impact on work culture and environment, employees continue to deal with increasing stress and pressure.
"With this new initiative, we want our workforce to take a pause and think before using these leaves for their own good. All our policies are designed with the intent of making our employees feel valued, empowered and cared for. And, the #MMCares initiative is another small gesture from our side to thank our employees for the value they bring to the firm."
