A major consumer goods manufacturer is encouraging employees to switch holidays to days that are more culturally significant to them.
Unilever Australia and New Zealand introduced a policy in 2021 that means workers can choose to work on public holidays in exchange for another day off whenever they want.
For example, a Jewish employee might work on Passover and rest on Yom Kippur in September.
The policy is in line with New Zealand employment laws, which allow for different public holidays.
Under Employment New Zealand, requests for the transfer of public holidays can be made by either the employer or the employee and must be considered in good faith by both parties. Any agreement must also meet the minimum established by law.
Unilever Australia and New Zealand head of human resources, Shruti Ganeriwala, said the policy gives employees more flexibility and freedom.
“This means that if our employees prefer to work on a holiday, they can change that day to one of the many other culturally significant days throughout the year that are not already holidays,” Ganeriwala said.
“We want Unilever to be a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace for all. To do this, it is essential that our policies and workforce are representative of and supportive of the many rich cultures and identities that make up Australia and New Zealand.”
