Diageo India announces Carer’s Leave Policy

Diageo India has unveiled a groundbreaking Carer’s Leave Policy, furthering its commitment to building an inclusive and compassionate workplace that acknowledges the evolving needs of its employees.

This first-of-its-kind initiative offers all full-time employees up to five paid days of leave annually to care for loved ones who require long-term or sustained care due to age, disability or chronic illness. The leave is designed with flexibility in mind and can also be availed in half-day increments, catering to the varied demands of caregiving.

The policy directly addresses the growing pressures on India’s “sandwich generation”, employees who are simultaneously caring for ageing parents and young children. With the country’s workforce becoming increasingly multigenerational, recent studies highlight the importance of workplace policies that support dual caregiving responsibilities.

Shilpa Vaid, Chief Human Resources Officer at Diageo India, emphasised the importance of recognising employees' personal roles. “Many of us play the role of care giver outside of work, whether for children, ageing parents, or loved ones in recovery. Our Carer’s Leave Policy ensures that our people don’t have to choose between being present at home and thriving at work. It’s a tangible expression of our belief that care and courage go hand in hand, and an affirmation that when people feel supported, they bring their best to work and beyond.”

The Carer’s Leave Policy adds to Diageo India’s expanding suite of progressive employee policies, including gender-neutral parental leave, support for pregnancy loss, fertility and menopause guidelines, and holistic wellbeing initiatives.

Through such measures, Diageo India continues to live its purpose of “Celebrating Life, Every Day, Everywhere”, fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported and empowered at every life stage.