Aegon Life, the Indian digital life insurance company, has rolled out a “Work from Anywhere (WFA)” policy, effective April 1, 2021. All Aegon Life employees will have the freedom to work from wherever convenient, that is, from any location in India, irrespective of the location mentioned in their employment contract.
Sunita Rath, chief people officer, Aegon Life, says the move has been made for the benefit of the employees who are “our key assets” and right practices, such as these can only empower them. “The WFA policy that we have introduced upholds this belief,” asserts Rath.
The digital-only life insurance company is probably amongst the first in India to have formally adopted a 100 per cent WFA work policy. The Company will maintain its office space “to enable employees to meet, brainstorm, connect and collaborate.” It also plans to embrace “ other suitable digital tools and solutions to engender a culture of agile policies and proactive support.”
“The move has been made for the benefit of the employees who are “our key assets” and right practices, such as these can only empower them. The WFA policy that we have introduced upholds this belief.”
Sunita Rath, chief people officer, Aegon Life
The WFA approach is designed to protect people’s interests and allow them the flexibility to achieve organisational goals.
To ensure work-life balance, the staff will follow core working hours. Managers and teams will be encouraged to plan e-meetings and con-calls at fixed times during the day so that the time beyond work hours can be devoted to family.
A ‘no meeting day’ will also be observed, on the second Wednesday of every month, to take a break from official calls and meetings. A one-time reimbursement will be provided to employees to set up their work space at home. Relevant technology will also be made available to the staff to allow a seamless and secure work environment.
Interestingly, employees have been told “not to be apologetic” if there are disturbances during virtual official calls or meetings, because the Company understands the challenges that come with working from home. Regular online wellness sessions are also held to ensure emotional and mental support to the employees.
