4-Day Weekend For Work From Home Employees In India Becomes The New Norm: Pepsi, PwC & More

Right since the onset of a nationwide lockdown and pandemic declaration, offices and workplaces have shifted their workstations remotely, enabling the Work from Home model.

We have incessantly been covering relaxations and compensations given by different organizations to their employees, so as to ensure a healthy mind and body for them.

From providing a long list of perks to employees working from home, to coming up with exciting ideas of arranging exciting virtual celebrations and games, employers from all around the globe are trying their best to boost employee spirit in times of pandemic.

Consequently, several companies have decided to club an additional ‘non-working day’ in this 2nd Oct long weekend, making it a 4-day holiday for their employees.

36% Indian Employees Suffering from Mental Health

It’s been almost 6 months now since the work from home work model has come into picture.

Naturally, with workspace shifting to remote sites and homes, there have been several unwelcoming downsides, like long work hours, endless meetings and home chores, among others.

This has started to create a toll on employees’ minds.

According to a recent study by the ‘The7thFold’,

• 35% employees with an annual salary of INR 21-30 lakhs p.a., showed poorest mental wellbeing graph.
• 45% of employees working for an employer complained of ‘anxiety’ or ‘depression’.
• 44% of employees working full-time from home reported feelings of anxiety.
• 48% of employees reported feeling ‘stressed’ due to task deadlines.

Employers Giving a 4 Day-Long Weekend

Understanding the growing numbers of mental health issues among their employees due to work from home pressure, several companies have decided to give an extra ‘off’ day to the already 3-day long weekend of Oct 2.

PwC declared a ‘pens down day’, under which it has given a day off on October 5 (Monday), making it a 4 day long weekend.

Similarly, PepsiCo India too gave a holiday to its employees on October 1 (Friday), turning it too into a four-day weekend.

Pavitra Singh, CHRO, PepsiCo India says, “Apart from ensuring “me time” through no meeting zones on rejuvenate, relax and spend quality time with their loved ones.

The extension of October 1, 2020, as a holiday seemed ideal as it gives an extended break in one go, which they appreciate.

It is also our token of gratitude to thank our teams for all their hard work during these difficult times.”