NEW DELHI: 2020 has been a difficult year for mental health. The threat of infection, repeated lockdowns, social isolation, and economic uncertainty have created widespread fear and anxiety. Conversations about mental health, being understanding, and encouraging those who experience these conditions to seek the help they need is the need of the hour.

In light of this, Chimp&z Inc has added mental health leave to their employee handbook. Following months of work-from-home and lockdowns induced by the pandemic, the agency has also retained the services of a mental healthcare unit, who will provide online counselling and therapy to any employee who opts for it.

Chimp&z has also introduced menstrual leaves. This policy allows women employees to take additional leave every month during their menstrual cycle. The agency continues to foster a culture of inclusiveness and empathy making sure employee needs are prioritised and actioned.

“The foremost mandate given to our HR team is employee safety, happiness, and well-being – both physical and psychological. Our founders go that extra mile to ensure a friendly and professional workplace,” said Chimp&z Inc head of human resources Chitra Panikker.

Chimp&z Inc co-founders Angad Singh Manchanda and Lavinn Rajpal said, “Mental health issues are real and have been more prominent in the industry we operate in thanks to the short timelines and hectic schedules. The times need to change and we look forward to bringing a small change in the industry by accepting, acknowledging, and committing ourselves to the new world order.”

They added that with this move, the agency hopes to remove stigmas that surround mental health and periods, making it comfortable and easy for employees to avail these facilities. “This further validates our already prevalent work culture where we continuously strive to make a pleasant environment for our employees,” Manchanda and Rajpal concluded.