India Team

Employee Handbook — India

1. Introduction

Welcome to Highbridge India. This handbook outlines company policies, statutory entitlements, and workplace expectations for all employees engaged in India. It is intended as a general guide and does not constitute a contract of employment. Where local state law provides a greater benefit, the more favorable provision will apply.

2. Employment Basics

• Equal Opportunity Employer: Highbridge is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants, regardless of caste, religion, gender, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under Indian law.
• Employment Classifications: Employees may be classified as permanent, fixed-term/contract, probationary, or intern/trainee, in accordance with the applicable state Shops & Establishments Act.
• Probation Period: New employees typically serve a probation period of 3 to 6 months, subject to role and offer letter terms, before being confirmed as permanent employees.

3. Code of Conduct

• Treat colleagues, clients, and partners with respect, integrity, and professionalism.
• Maintain confidentiality of proprietary, client, and personal data (in line with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023).
• Disclose any conflicts of interest to management promptly.
• Comply with all applicable central and state labor laws and company policy.

4. Compensation & Statutory Benefits

• Payroll: Salaries are disbursed monthly via direct bank transfer, with payslips reflecting statutory deductions.
• Provident Fund (PF): Contributions are made in accordance with the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) Act for eligible employees.
• ESI: Employees within the applicable wage threshold are covered under the Employees' State Insurance scheme.
• Gratuity: Payable under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, to employees completing five or more years of continuous service.
• Professional Tax & TDS: Deducted as applicable under state and central tax regulations.
• Bonuses: Statutory bonus (where applicable) and performance-based bonuses may be awarded per company policy.

5. Leave Policy

• Earned/Privilege Leave (EL/PL): Accrued per state Shops & Establishments Act, typically 15–18 days per year, usable for planned time off.
• Casual Leave (CL): Typically 6–12 days per year for short personal matters.
• Sick Leave (SL): Typically 6–12 days per year for illness or medical needs.
• Maternity Leave: 26 weeks of paid leave for eligible employees, in accordance with the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.
• Paternity Leave: As per company policy, typically 5–15 days for eligible employees.
• Bereavement Leave: Paid leave provided for qualifying bereavement circumstances.
• Public/National Holidays: As outlined in the India Holiday Policy above.

6. Workplace Policies

• Attendance: Employees are expected to maintain regular attendance and promptly notify their manager of any absence.
• Dress Code: Business casual attire is standard unless otherwise specified for client-facing engagements.
• Remote/Hybrid Work: Remote and hybrid work arrangements may be available depending on role and manager approval.
• Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH): Highbridge maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment and workplace misconduct, in compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. An Internal Committee (IC) is constituted to address complaints.
• Anti-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment: Highbridge prohibits harassment, discrimination, or retaliation of any kind in the workplace.

7. Health & Safety

Highbridge is committed to maintaining a safe working environment, whether in-office or remote. Employees should report any safety concerns or workplace incidents to HR immediately.

8. Technology & Data Security

• Company equipment and systems are provided for business purposes and are subject to monitoring.
• Employees must follow data security protocols to protect client and company information, in compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
• Use of personal devices for work purposes must comply with IT security guidelines.

9. Performance & Development

• Performance Reviews: Conducted annually, with informal check-ins throughout the year.
• Professional Development: Highbridge supports ongoing training, certifications, and career growth opportunities.

10. Separation of Employment

• Employees may resign with notice as specified in their offer letter (commonly 30–90 days).
• Full and final settlement, including any gratuity or leave encashment due, will be processed in accordance with company policy and applicable law.
• Exit interviews may be conducted to gather feedback.

11. Statutory Compliance Note

This handbook is designed to align with applicable Indian labor laws, including but not limited to the Shops & Establishments Act (state-specific), the Employees' Provident Fund Act, the Payment of Gratuity Act, the Maternity Benefit Act, and the POSH Act. Where state-specific requirements differ, the applicable state law will govern.

12. Acknowledgment

By continuing employment with Highbridge, employees acknowledge they have received, read, and understood this Employee Handbook and agree to comply with its policies.

---

Questions?
Contact the Highbridge India HR team for clarification on any policy outlined above.