Indian companies in festive mood, want their staff to enjoy too

Over a year and half into the pandemic - and Covid-19 cases now largely under control - companies are once again in a celebratory mode this Diwali.

The most popular this season is special leaves around Diwali for employees to unwind and rejuvenate. Many companies that are still in a remote working mode are opting for virtual celebrations where family members are also invited. A few firms are giving bonuses around this time while others are sending sustainable and fitness-related gifts.

Panasonic Life Solutions India is giving bonuses to all white-collar employees and factory workers in addition to paid leaves, gift vouchers as well as sweet boxes this year around.


"While coming back to normalcy now, this year we plan to give Diwali bonuses to all our employees along with our factory workers," its HR head Akash Sangole said.

PepsiCo India is organising a virtual carnival for employees and their families. "We are also giving an additional day off to employees," chief HR officer Pavitra Singh said. The food and beverages company is sending gifts made of waste flowers to employees.

This year, according to Tarun Joshi, founder and CEO of IGP, handcrafted, artisanal items and healthcare products are more in demand than previous years.

In the past two years, IGP, a multicategory gifting company, has witnessed a 30% year-on-year rise in corporate gifting during the festival season, Joshi said.

Eaton is giving online gift vouchers to all its employees. "Multiple virtual interactive events are planned for the employees, including rangoli competition, traditional days, online games, family quizzes, among others," said Ashish Kapoor, director HR, India.

For Meesho, the month before Diwali is the peak period.

The ecommerce player has announced a company-wide break from November 4 to 14, "so that all employees get a well-deserved break right after our busy and frenetic festive sale season", chief human resources officer Ashish Kumar Singh said.

The company is giving gift boxes to all employees, containing a chocolate box, smartwatch and a Meesho t-shirt.

Kellogg India is organising 'fun@k', a monthly event hosted for employees to engage beyond work. Kellogg is giving plantable mithai or flower seeds wrapped in waste newspapers, dry fruits, diyas and incense sticks, said Nimisha Das, director HR at Kellogg South Asia.

WeWork India has also announced a company-wide 10-day extended break for its employees during Diwali. CashKaro is giving a break to all employees during November 4-8.

"For those working extra hours or weekends due to the busy season, CashKaro has a policy of providing compensatory offs," cofounder Swati Bhargava said.