“When we started on the process of adoption, it took us almost two years. But it was worth the wait because we were blessed and we got a cute baby girl who came into our lives,” Shalakha Abhyankar, our colleague at the Godrej Industries Group’s People Experience Centre, recalled. She smiled. “Our life has entirely changed,” she said. 

All types of parenting come with emotional and practical challenges. The journey of adoption creates unique ones for every parent and child who’s part of the process. For Shalakha, those initial months of bonding with her new daughter were crucial. “I enjoyed each and every moment of my adoption leave. It was a time for us to bond, adjust to each other, and create a new family dynamic,” she said.  

Stories like these are part of the fabric of life at Godrej, which strives to provide support for employees and families in a way that allows everyone to thrive at work. It shows up in personal touches, like the way her team organized a baby shower in her honour, complete with cake and sash. “It is something I will never forget in my life,” she said.  

That’s also why it reflects in policy. “When I approached HR about adoption leave, I was informed about the leave policy and the flexibility to work from home if needed,” Shalaka said. Her colleague in HR, Chirag, helped take the stress out of navigating uncharted waters. “Every month during my leave, Chirag would call to ask how things were going and if I needed any additional support,” she explained.  

“Not a single call about work disturbed me. My manager and the team were very considerate and supportive throughout the three months,” she said. (The group has since extended adoption leave policy to six months, to match leave benefits for birthing parents.) 

Shalaka’s journey highlights the importance of a supportive work environment during significant life changes. As Shalaka continues to excel in her role while cherishing her time with her daughter, her experience stands as a testament to the positive impact of understanding and adaptable workplace practices.


Text by Rolie Breja