Companies Introduce ‘pet leave’ and ‘live band days’ for Gen Z Staff

Hyderabad: Tech firms in India now offer some unique benefits to better attract millennial employees. From taking steps like unlimited sick leave to offering time off to tend to pets, firms are doing everything in their power to retain their youthful workforce. 

According to the India Technology Industry Compensation Benchmarking Survey 2024 by Deloitte India and Nasscom, many firms offer “well-being days” and offer joining bonuses tied to a two-year clawback. "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.

The benefits aim to reduce employee burnout and create a positive working environment, prioritizing well-being and productivity. "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.