Joining Godrej Chemicals as a Quality Control Officer felt like the beginning of an exciting journey for Pooja. But just a few months into her role, life took an unexpected turn: she was hurt in a serious accident. She recovered in a month – but several family members, who’d been injured with her, were still recovering, and needed constant care and attention. When her colleagues told her about Godrej's eldercare policy, which encourages employees to take up to two weeks off in the year specifically to care for family elders, she had her doubts. “At first, I was anxious about taking leave. Would it be approved? Would I have to resign? So, I requested for a leave of 2-3 days.”  

But the HR team encouraged her to consider the eldercare benefit. But the most reassuring support came from her manager, A. P. Bhavsar. “He told me that if I needed to be there for my family, I should take the time. He never let me worry me about work or my return,” she recalls. 

With the backing of her team and her manager’s unwavering support, Pooja was able to care for her loved ones without worry. Looking back, she’s grateful for a workplace that not only values its people but also stands by them when it matters most. 

Text by Pulakita Mayekar.