15 Types of Leaves Offered by Companies in India

Leaves allow employees to maintain a work-life balance, address personal and family needs, and take time off when necessary. The results of a recent study specifically demonstrate a positive impact of leaves on employee satisfaction. The leave policy of a workplace plays a vital role in promoting the overall welfare of employees and fostering a more efficient and cohesive work atmosphere. In this article, we will explore the different types of office leaves in India.

Different Types of Office Leaves in India

Leave in the workplace holds significant importance for both individuals and organizations. Employers should create a leave policy and track when and why employees are absent. Here are some types of leaves that companies may offer:

1. Half-day Leave

Half-day leave is a convenient option that allows employees to work for part of the day and utilize the remaining time for personal or urgent matters. This type of office leave is beneficial for addressing tasks that cannot be postponed, such as attending medical check-ups, handling banking activities, or fulfilling other essential responsibilities. 

Organizations often provide this benefit to help employees balance their professional and personal lives more effectively, ensuring they can address their needs without losing a full day’s work. It helps reduce stress for workers who might otherwise feel conflicted about meeting personal obligations during standard working hours. Additionally, by accommodating such needs, employers enhance employee productivity and loyalty.

Also Read: How To Write a Half Day Leave Application?

2. Sabbatical Leave

Sabbatical leaves allow employees to step away from work for a few months to a year to focus on personal interests or their mental and physical health. Unlike other types of leaves, sabbaticals are not applicable annually. They are common in academic institutions where professors take time off to concentrate on research or specific projects. These leaves support personal growth, improve productivity, and help employees return to work with renewed focus.

Here are a few reasons that can be used to opt for a sabbatical leave:

• Pursuing academic or professional research.
• Enhancing skills through specialized training or courses.
• Taking a break for mental and physical well-being.
• Traveling or exploring personal interests.
• Focusing on significant personal projects or family needs.

3. Adoption Leave

Adoption leave is a type of paid leave that gives employees the chance to take time off from work when they adopt a child. This leave helps them adjust to their new responsibilities as parents and bond with their children. Although some companies in India have started offering adoption leave, it is not yet a common practice. As a result, it is less familiar compared to other types of leave commonly provided to employees. Take a look at our guide on how to write an adoption leave letter.

4. Parental Leave

Parental leave is a special type of office leave that allows parents to take time off from work to care for their newborn child. It is prepared to support both mothers and fathers in balancing their work and family responsibilities during this important phase of life.

The two types of parental leave available for parents are:

• Paternity Leaves: This leave allows fathers and male partners to devote time to their new babies or adopted children. While its availability differs across countries, paternity leave is generally less widespread than maternity leave.
• Maternity Leave: This is a form of leave that allows female employees to take time off before and after giving birth or when adopting a child. This type of leave allows new mothers to have the necessary time for recovery, bonding with their children, and providing care while still maintaining their employment. Learn how to draft a maternity leave application.

5. Bereavement Leave

Companies offer bereavement leave in the event of a family member’s death. While it is not legally required, many companies provide this type of leave out of empathy. Despite being a relatively recent practice in India, bereavement leave holds great significance for employees. It allows them time to mourn, attend funeral ceremonies, or deal with any other legal or familial matters that may arise during this difficult time.

6. Earned and Privilege Leave

Privilege leave, also known as earned leave, is paid time off that employees accumulate throughout their employment. This type of leave allows employees to take a break from work to focus on personal matters, recharge, or address important commitments. Typically, employees are allowed to have around 18 days of privileged leave annually. It can vary depending on company policies.

Employees must usually obtain prior approval before availing of privileged leave unless it is an urgent situation. This leave helps maintain a healthy work-life balance and supports employees’ well-being.

7. Compassionate Leave

Compassionate leaves are a type of office leave granted in instances of family emergencies, such as the illness of a loved one, or other challenging personal situations. These leaves should only be utilized in rare and exceptional circumstances, as they are offered by companies to provide support during challenging times. It is often granted at the employer’s discretion. It is important to note that compassionate leave differs from bereavement leave. Bereavement leave is granted to allow employees time to grieve and make arrangements following the loss of a loved one. On the other hand, compassionate leave is provided for situations where an employee needs to care for a seriously ill family member or handle other urgent personal crises.

8. Sick Leave/Medical Leave (SL/ML)

Sick or medical leave is one of the types of leave that employees can take when they fall ill, have an injury, or are unable to come into the office because of a medical reason. The number of sick leaves provided varies from company to company. However, some companies may ask for documentation such as a medical certificate from the doctor’s office as proof of illness. This type of leave ensures employees can focus on their health and recovery without the added stress of work responsibilities. It is a fundamental component of employee benefits.

Also Read: How to Write an Application For Sick Leave?

9. Casual Leave (CL)

Casual leave is a popular practice worldwide and is typically used by employees for travel, vacations, relaxation, and family occasions. Most organizations provide a fixed number of casual leave days annually, ranging from 7 to 12 days. Employees are required to submit a formal leave request in advance, specifying the dates and reason for the leave.
This type of leave is granted to give employees the opportunity to take time off for special events or personal reasons without compromising their work obligations. Offering paid casual leave enables employees to prioritize their personal lives when needed and thereby, promoting a sense of recognition and work-life balance.

Also Read: Casual Leave Applications

10. Marriage leave

This type of leave is commonly applied by employees who are planning to get married or have a close family member getting married. It is an official request for time off from work, allowing the employee to attend their own wedding or that of a loved one without any concerns about work. As with any other leave request, it should be written in a professional manner using appropriate language and format. Check out how to draft the perfect marriage leave application.

11. Compensatory Leaves (Comp-off)

Compensatory leave is granted to employees as a paid benefit for working extra days or hours beyond the office work schedule. It provides the option to convert the overtime into an available paid leave balance rather than receiving monetary compensation for working on weekends or holidays. Employees can use the compensatory leave at their discretion. Therefore, it allows for a better work-life balance. Consider checking our comprehensive guide on how to write an ideal compensatory leave letter.

12. Loss of Pay Leave (LOP/LWP)

Loss of Pay (LOP) or Leave Without Pay (LWP) allows employees to take leave after their all paid leave options are exhausted. Taking this leave results in a salary deduction for the number of days the employee is absent. The LOP leave might also be considered as unauthorized leave or absence in some organizations if the leave is taken without prior approval. 

While LOP ensures employees can address critical needs without jeopardizing their employment, it emphasizes the importance of managing leave balances effectively and adhering to company leave policies.

13. Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid time off (PTO) is a type of office leave that allows employees to take a break from work while still receiving their salary. It serves as a benefit to help workers recharge, manage personal responsibilities, or handle unforeseen situations without financial stress. The different types of paid leaves promote employee well-being by offering flexibility to address personal needs while maintaining job security. It also helps reduce burnout and offers a positive work environment where employees feel valued and supported.

14. Statutory Annual Leave

Statutory annual leave refers to the legally mandated amount of paid time off that employers must provide. This includes various types of leaves such as sick, casual, maternity, and paternity leave. While every company may have its own policies regarding how these statutory leaves can be used, they are required by law to ensure all employees receive them. 

Some companies allow unused leave days to carry over into the next financial year while others enforce a ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ policy. This leave structure promotes work-life balance and safeguards employees’ rights.

15. Floater Leave

Floater leave allows employees to take time off for personal reasons or events not covered under regular leave policies. It includes regional holidays, cultural celebrations, or special occasions. These leaves are flexible and vary based on company policies. This type of leave provides the freedom to prioritize and celebrate occasions that matter most to the employees.

Depending on the organization’s policy, the number of floater leaves typically ranges from 1 to 2 days per year. These leaves encourage inclusivity by recognizing employees’ cultural and religious.

Conclusion

Employees need to have an understanding of the different types of office leaves in India. Employers must effectively communicate their leave policies, while employees should take the initiative to educate themselves on their entitlements and obligations related to these leaves so that they can properly use them. Here is a guide to crafting the right office leave application letter with relevant samples. Let us know in the comment section what leaves are offered in your workplace.

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