With the festive season around the corner, companies in the West are offering longer holiday breaks. A UK-based company recently announced a 15-day holiday for Christmas and New Year, sparking widespread discussion online. The break, which extends until 6 January, caught attention when an Indian employee shared the news on social media.
The employee highlighted the time off as a unique advantage of working for a British company, drawing comparisons to holiday policies in India. The post quickly gained momentum, igniting debates about the stark difference in work cultures. Many Indian professionals voiced frustration over the shorter holiday allowances in Indian organisations, particularly during major festivals such as Diwali.
Social-media users shared mixed reactions. Some criticised Indian work culture, with sarcastic comments referencing recent controversial views on longer workweeks. One quipped about the limited leave for Indian festivals, pointing out that companies rarely offer more than a day or two for celebrations such as Diwali and Holi.
However, not all feedback was critical. Some appreciated the flexibility of remote work during the Christmas season, while others noted that Indian companies provide frequent holidays for various festivals throughout the year. Employees shared personal experiences, with some enjoying extended breaks despite the official policies.
The discussion highlighted contrasting perspectives on work-life balance. While some lamented the rigidity of holiday policies, others acknowledged the cultural differences and unique advantages of working in India. The debate underscored evolving expectations in the workplace and the growing importance of flexible and inclusive holiday practices.
