Diageo India has launched a new Carer’s Leave Policy, strengthening its efforts to create an inclusive and supportive workplace. The policy is designed to recognise the personal caregiving responsibilities that employees often balance alongside their professional roles.
Under the policy, all full-time employees will be entitled to up to five paid days of leave every year. The leave can be used to care for loved ones who need long-term or sustained support due to age, disability, or chronic illness. Employees can also opt to take the leave in half-day increments, making it flexible for urgent or ongoing caregiving needs.
The initiative acknowledges the growing challenge faced by India’s “sandwich generation” – individuals who are caring for both children and ageing parents at the same time. As demographic trends shift, organisations are under increasing pressure to integrate caregiving support into workplace policies.
Commenting on the development, Shilpa Vaid, CHRO, Diageo India, said, “At Diageo India, we appreciate that our colleagues play multiple roles in their lives. Many of us are caregivers, whether for children, ageing parents, or loved ones in recovery. Our Carer’s Leave Policy ensures people don’t have to choose between being there for family and thriving at work. When employees feel supported, they bring their best selves to both.”
This new initiative adds to Diageo India’s existing set of progressive policies, which include gender-neutral parental leave, support for pregnancy loss, fertility and menopause guidelines, and holistic wellbeing programmes. Together, these reflect the company’s purpose of “Celebrating Life, Every Day, Everywhere” while ensuring that employees are empowered across different life stages.
