Urban Company unveils unlimited mental health leave policy for employees

Urban Company unveils unlimited mental health leave policy for employees

The company has partnered with iWill to make mental health consultation accessible to its employee

Urban Company

NEW DELHI: In the run-up to World Mental Health Day, home services start-up Urban Company (formerly UrbanClap) has introduced its mental health leave policy, a first in the industry.

Under this employee-centric initiative, employees will be allowed to take unlimited sick leaves if they suffer from any form of mental or physical illness, particularly if the patient has contracted Covid2019.

In addition to the leave policy, Urban Company is making some of the top psychologists of the country accessible to its employees by partnering with the leading mental wellness platform, iWill. Any employee who wants to avail the service can register on iWill, after which they would be connected with a leading psychologist who will address the psychological challenges faced by them. The bill for the doctor’s consultation will be footed by the company.  

Mental health is one aspect of human well-being about which people have very little understanding, says Urban Company director HR Suhail Vadgaokar. Identifying and treating the symptoms is more critical than ever in these stressful and anxious times, he adds, while acknowledging that treatment and psychological consultations are quite expensive. “Through such initiatives, Urban Company is not only trying to foster employee overall well-being but also create an environment where people feel safe to talk about mental health issues.”

The company has already implemented various employee well-being friendly policies in the past six months: optional work-from-home till 31 December, granting five additional privileged leaves, and no internal meetings on Wednesdays. A buddy system has been implemented for those living alone in the city. The company also follows silence hours and encourages employees to take personal time off from work. 

“We are trying to make a difference in society by creating avenues where mental health challenges can be addressed and resolved,” Suhail stated.