Companies bring ‘pet leave’, ‘live band days’ for Gen Z staff – Times of India

HYDERABAD: India’s tech firms have stepped up their game to draw more millennial and Gen Z employees to their offices. From offering unlimited sick leave to giving them time off to bond with their pets or enjoy the company of their aging grandparents, firms are doing all this and more to retain the young workforce and enhance their productivity.
According to the India Technology Industry Compensation Benchmarking Survey 2024 by Deloitte India and Nasscom, many firms earmark “well-being days” and offer joining bonuses, albeit tied to a two-year clawback. The survey was conducted across over 200 tech companies nationwide. “With Gen Z prioritising work-life balance, mental health and professional growth, it’s essential for companies to adapt their approaches to attract and retain this emerging talent,” states the report.

Benefits offered to Gen Z aim toprevent burnout,up productivity
These benefits are aimed at preventing “employee burnout” and ensuring a sustainable workforce while enhancing overall well-being and productivity.
The other focus areas are helping employees grow by integrating AI skills, improving women’s representation within organisations, and offering reward programmes that align with the new generation.
“Just this year, our company started observing well-being week. We get a day off to take care of our mental health. The company also reimburses our gym membership and gives Rs 25,000 annually to buy well-being equipment,” said Vishal B, a 27-year-old working with an MNC in Hyderabad.

Saketh S, an IT professional based in Hyderabad, said his office calendar includes “live music days”, apart from a “grandparents’ day” and a “journaling day” to keep everyone motivated to turn up at work. “These days help us unwind and return to work with pumped-up energy,” he said.
Tech company founders admit to being more “accommodating” with Gen Z with an eye on “better output”.
“I have noticed that Gen Z needs more emotional support. They need their space. Be it in communicating or vacation hours, we are more flexible with them. It is also true that though they might ask for more leave, they give more than 100% when at work,” said Gopi Krishna Lakkepuram, founder of Hyperleap AI.
The Deloitte India-Nasscom report also highlights how the young resource pool is often given the option to personalise their work hours and even locations to achieve a better work-life balance.