Happywala Birthday: Man Who Faced ‘Strange Look’ For Taking Leave On His Birthday Introduces Special Policy
Happywala Birthday: Man Who Faced 'Strange Look' For Taking Leave On His Birthday Introduces Special Policy
Alphanumero’s ‘Birthday Plus One’ policy celebrates personal milestones with two extra holidays for employees.
Birthdays are often a time of celebration, but in the corporate world, they are frequently overlooked or overshadowed by work responsibilities. Many employees hesitate to take the day off, fearing a hit to their leave balance or awkward reactions from managers. In response to this, Abhijit Chakraborty, founder of the company Alphanumero, introduced a refreshing initiative called the “Birthday Plus One” policy, which grants employees two extra holidays every year — one for their own birthday and another for a loved one’s birthday — without affecting their leave entitlements.
Sharing his personal experience on LinkedIn, Chakraborty recalled receiving a “strange look” from his boss early in his career when he requested a day off for his birthday. He felt that birthdays should be a time to celebrate, not an occasion for guilt or awkwardness at work. The new policy ensures that employees can take time off to celebrate without the burden of reduced leave days.
“If it’s someone’s birthday, they deserve a gift, not a leave deduction and weird reactions,” Chakraborty stated in his LinkedIn post. The “Birthday Plus One” policy is designed to not only allow employees to enjoy their own birthday but also to celebrate the birthday of someone important in their life. According to Chakraborty, the initiative is a recognition of the hard work and dedication shown by employees and is meant to foster a healthier work-life balance.
Chakraborty highlighted that as Alphanumero continues to grow, the policy could expand further to include a “Birthday Plus Two”, offering even more celebratory leave days. He emphasized that the company’s skilled and efficient team deserves such benefits and more.
“The more the merrier. A super-skilled and super-efficient team deserves all this and more,” Chakraborty added.
The initiative has been widely praised online, with numerous users applauding the company’s progressive approach to employee welfare. Many commented on the post, celebrating the idea and expressing appreciation for a corporate culture that values personal milestones.
One user excitedly shared, “I love, love, love taking my birthday off to celebrate myself! I’ve taught my husband to do the same as well, so I take off work to celebrate his day too! Now with my son recently born, I intend to take time off for his birthday as well! Nothing wrong with taking the day off to celebrate another trip around the sun for yourself and loved ones!
Another commenter added, “I have seen birthday leaves, but a birthday leave for your dear ones birthday, that’s new and welcoming.
One individual described the concept as “creative,”
While someone else expressed, “Never heard about this “birthday plus one leave”, but this is so thoughtful and I hope more companies add this! “
“Now that’s a policy that truly celebrates people! A day for you, and a day for someone you love—what better way to show that work-life balance matters? Good Initiative,” read another comment
As companies increasingly prioritize employee well-being, policies like “Birthday Plus One” signal a positive shift towards a more empathetic and supportive work environment.
