On National Pet Day, April 11th, Swiggy unveiled its latest employee initiative, the Swiggy “Paw-ternity” Policy. Geared towards providing comprehensive assistance to employees who are pet owners, the policy aims to acknowledge and celebrate their commitment to caring for their cherished companions.
Aligning with Swiggy’s ongoing dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace environment, the Paw-ternity Policy extends beyond traditional notions of parenthood.
Building upon the foundation of the gender-neutral parental policy introduced in 2020, which offers substantial paid leave for primary and secondary caregivers, bonding leaves, and time off for adoption, surrogacy, miscarriage, and IVF, this new initiative broadens the scope of parenthood to encompass pet ownership, the online delivery food platform said.
Effective immediately, the Swiggy Paw-ternity Policy applies to all full-time employees.
Key features of the policy include:
New Pet/Adoption Leave: Employees will receive an additional paid day off (in addition to their annual leave entitlement) to welcome their new companions home. Whether adopting a playful puppy or a cuddly kitten, employees will have dedicated time to assist their new family members in settling in. Pet parents may opt for work-from-home arrangements during the initial settling-in period to provide comfort and support to their furry friends.
Sick Leave: Pet parents can utilize their casual or sick leave without hesitation to attend to the needs of their pets. Whether it involves routine vaccinations or accompanying a sick or injured pet to a veterinary appointment, the policy enables employees to take the necessary time off to care for their pets.
Bereavement Leave: Recognizing the profound emotional impact of losing a beloved pet, the bereavement leave provision now extends to cover pets. This allows employees the necessary time to grieve and recover from the loss of their furry companions.
