Swiggy launches ‘Paw-ternity’ policy for full-time employees

Hyderabad: Swiggy, a foodtech company on occasion of National Pet Day on Thursday, announced the launch of the latest initiative for its employees, the Paw-ternity Policy. The policy recognises employees who are pet parents and honours their role in caring for their pet.

Swiggy in an official release said that the initiative builds on gender-neutral parental policy introduced by the company in 2020, which provides paid leave for primary and secondary caregivers, in addition to bonding leaves, and time off for adoption, surrogacy, miscarriage and IVF. The policy has now expanded the definition of parenthood to include pet parents.

“Starting today, we are announcing the Swiggy Paw-ternity policy for all full-time employees. Employees will receive an additional paid day off (in addition to their annual leave entitlement) to welcome their new companion home. Whether for a routine vaccination or accompanying a sick or injured pet to a veterinary appointment, the policy allows employees to take the time off to care for their pets. Moreover, our bereavement leave will now cover pets, providing employees with the time they need to grieve and recover from the loss,” said Girish Menon, Chief Human Resource Officer, Swiggy.

The foodtech company further said that pet parents can opt for work-from-home during the settling-in period to provide support to their new family member. Besides that, full-time employees can use their casual or sick leave to attend to the needs of their pets. Bereavement leave has also been included in the new policy, it added.