Fitness day leaves for professionals

Divya Maben, Partner, NOW Media & Co-founder, The Beep Studio says Wellness Days were born out of this intent. “To give our employees time to recharge, whether that means simply staying in bed, going out for a walk or simply having a day to themselves without having to provide any explanations,” she explains.

Mind Over Work

Divya, who juggles two businesses knows how work can lead to burnout even if you love what you are doing. Hence, the significance of Wellness Day leaves.

She shares that at the Now Media and the Bleep Studio, they wanted to ensure that staff didn’t go through such intense episodes of burnout. However, many question Wellness Day leaves.

Little do they realize that such internal ‘mind games’ have longer-lasting effects than physical health issues.
There are instances when a simple break from work helps employees relax, reboot and then jump back to work. Divya says that companies may have limitations in addressing deep-rooted personal struggles. “Hence, initiatives like Wellness Day leaves are effective and meaningful steps towards offering some kind of support.”
Wellness Day leaves are more of a ‘preventive measure’ rather than a “cure”. These aren’t Sick Days or Vacation Days leaves but the freedom and choice to step away as and when needed.

Nitin Koshy, Partner at NOW Media, Bangalore says that many multinational firms have already introduced flexible work options and mental health support systems in the wake of the pandemic. Nitin is optimistic that more Indian companies will introduce Wellness Day leaves, keeping in mind the mental and physical well-being of employees. “Wellness Day leaves are such a simple yet meaningful way to remind people to take a step back,” says Divesh Kotekar, Business Head, The Bleep Studio. He says, “It’s not about taking time off. It’s about creating a work culture where mental health is valued.”

Employees too have been vocal about the need for “Wellness Day” leave. Aishwary Garje, a senior Graphic Designer says that sometimes they work under a tremendous workload throughout the week. “At such times, Wellness Day leave helps us to reboot ourselves and get prepared for more work.”

Niharika Gopal, an Account Manager adds here, “A day off each month is particularly helpful for unwinding, taking a break and recharging hence such initiatives prove beneficial.”

The Big Leap

Being open or accepting of one’s mental health is not an easy task. However, such initiatives pave the way for such discussions to take place. Niharika adds, “By terming these as Wellness Day we want employees to understand that it is acceptable to take a break and recharge without any justification.”

In many companies’ HR portals there is a formal category for “Wellness Day” leave application. Deloitte India had introduced a ‘Shared Leave Break’ allowing its employees the option of ‘donating their leaves’ to those who need it. Perhaps, it’s time, similar initiatives take a big leap. Some companies even organise regular informal events like social meet-ups, chai pe charcha, karaoke outings or indoor recreational activities for employees.