Nishith Desai Associates is allowing its entire staff to take whatever amount of leave they deem appropriate without needing formal approval, scrapping its previous leave policy, from 1 January 2021.
“We believe our firm members are adults, responsible and accountable for their actions,” said Nishith Desai, the managing partner of Nishith Desai Associates.
“Now, if our talent takes leave, they will consider the purpose of it, and use it wisely,” said Desai. “Even if it is for an entirely personal goal, it will still be grist to the mill of self-development, well-being or fulfilment. When there is no compulsion or boundary, it will bring back to work a rejuvenated, committed and inspired person.”
Staff have been advised to consider how their absence will impact colleagues and clients, and if unsure, consult a superior and then make a decision on leave.
Previously, in 2017, the firm had permitted staff members to decide their own time off after completion of 1,000 days on the job.
“Our people have always been diligent and our experiment in the past has worked well, and hence we have decided to scrap the leave policy for all members,” said Gowree Gokhale, a partner and head of IP and technology, media & entertainment and telecommunications at Nishith Desai Associates.
The firm has also permitted its staff to work remotely during the covid-19 pandemic lockdown.
