Delhi Startup Proves Unconditional Leave Policy Drives Exceptional Work
Taking time off from work often feels stressful for many employees. People worry about deadlines, unfinished tasks, and judgments from colleagues. However, a startup based in Delhi demonstrates that trusting and caring for employees creates significant benefits for both workers and the company.
A Month Off With Full Pay and No Conditions
Divye Agarwal, founder of the Delhi startup, shared a specific example. One team member needed to take a month off to care for her sick mother. Initially, she offered to handle work during evenings and remain available for calls while providing care.
The management responded with a surprising decision. "We asked her to take a full month off, with no evening work or calls, and she would receive her complete salary," Agarwal stated. He noted her reaction: "She looked surprised. Like she was expecting conditions. There weren't any."
How Support Translates Into Better Performance
Agarwal admitted that granting the month off did delay two projects. However, when the employee returned, her work quality stood out remarkably.
"I don't think it was because she felt she owed us. I think it was because she stopped wondering if we meant it when we said we'd support her," he explained. This shift in mindset allowed her to focus fully on her responsibilities without underlying anxiety.
A Simple and Effective Policy
The startup maintains a straightforward approach to leave. "You need time, you take it," Agarwal said. He emphasized the philosophy behind this: "We decided we'd rather build a team that doesn't spend energy wondering if we mean what we say." This clarity fosters a culture of trust and reduces unnecessary stress.
Social Media Applauds the Leadership Approach
The story gained considerable attention online, with many users praising the startup's humane practices.
- One person wrote: "I once worked at a place where my pay was cut because I logged out 30 minutes earlier due to period pain, even though I had finished all my work. It is so heartwarming to see that there are still companies that treat employees as humans."
- Another commented: "You don't see this kind of leadership often. When support doesn't come with invisible terms, people stop holding back. Not out of obligation, but because they finally feel safe. That's how great work happens."
- A third said: "This is what trust looks like in practice, not policy. When people stop worrying about whether support is real, they bring their best work back with them. So well said."
- A fourth added: "There's also a second-order effect here that often goes unnoticed: psychological safety frees cognitive bandwidth. When people stop bracing for consequences, they do better work, not out of obligation, but out of clarity and commitment."
Disclaimer: This story is based on social media posts and comments shared online. The information is reported for informational purposes, and independent verification of the experiences or statements mentioned has not been conducted.
