Pepperfry Offering Paid Sabbatical To Veteran Employees

In today's fast-paced work environment, taking time off work for an extended period may seem like a luxury that is out of reach for many employees. However, a paid sabbatical is an increasingly popular option for organisations looking to retain talent, promote employee well-being, and enhance productivity.

Pepperfry has been offering distinctive benefit to its employees by providing them with one month of paid sabbatical leave for every three years of service with the company.

However, implementing a paid sabbatical program requires careful planning, communication, and evaluation. Employers need to ensure that the program is accessible, fair, and equitable for all employees, regardless of their job level, tenure, or background.

When BW People’s journalist got into a candid conversation Joee De Choudhury, Lead – Human Resources, Pepperfry emphasised on the need to have such a policy in place. She stated, “Occasionally, employees may require a fresh perspective and seek inspiration to move forward. It's not uncommon to feel stagnant or in need of a change, and taking a break from routine can help with this. Sabbaticals offer valuable opportunities to pursue personal interests without the risk of losing one's job.”

Therefore, on completion of 3 years, their employees will get a chance to use this break to explore new interests, skills and resume work more energized. When their morale is heightened, their productivity inevitably increases. 

Further, talking to Choudhury on the fact that if only handsome salaries can attract lower attrition, she stated “While most Gen Zs are motivated financially, the millennials value experiences.”

However, in recent years upbeat workplace policies have become increasingly important for both generations. While a competitive package have been helping them in attracting the right talent, offering attractive workplace policies and a positive work culture helps them in retaining them.

Policy In Making 

According to Choudhury, Pepperfry’s sabbatical policy was a brainchild of the founding members of the organisation. They anticipated that people would need a break from work when they work in a fast-paced start-up ecosystem like theirs. In most organisations, an employee can avail sabbatical after completing 4-5 years. However, at Pepperfry, they wanted to celebrate being different. 

Hence, post completion of 3 years, their employees will get a chance to use this break to explore new interests, skills and resume work more energized. When their morale is heightened, their productivity inevitably increases. 

“Also, we factored in that once an employee is about to complete three years with us, there will be a shift in the way they want to pursue their role and a break will help them get some perspective. The only challenge we had was to measure the pros and cons of having a month-long break in terms of business operations which required convincing HODs and the leadership team across the company. But as hustlers, we believed in getting more done with less and have progressive retention management,” explained Choudhury.

Policy Effect And Way Forward

While many were apprehensive of this policy implementation in a way that giving a month's paid off in the name of retention practice, may also give rise to employees' start hunting during this period. Choudhury’s response to this was not at all crytic as she clearly said, “employees who want to look out for a change will not wait for sabbatical. Employees who are happy with their job and the company they are associated with will always look at sabbatical as an opportunity to rejuvenate themselves.”

To much of their amazement, more than 50 employees went on a sabbatical this year. Most of their team members have either taken their second sabbatical or are due for their third sabbatical. It means that they have spent more than 6 years with us. 

“We have seen employees coming back from their sabbatical refreshed and their engagement levels rising up.”

Further, she also suggested on how employees should make effective use of such sabbaticals. One should use the sabbatical to pursue their personal or professional pursuits. They should take out time to travel, plan experiences that help them grow personally and professionally or develop long-lasting habit.