MAM
Urban Company unveils unlimited mental health leave policy for employees
NEW DELHI: In the run-up to World Mental Health Day, home services start-up Urban Company (formerly UrbanClap) has introduced its mental health leave policy, a first in the industry.
Under this employee-centric initiative, employees will be allowed to take unlimited sick leaves if they suffer from any form of mental or physical illness, particularly if the patient has contracted Covid2019.
In addition to the leave policy, Urban Company is making some of the top psychologists of the country accessible to its employees by partnering with the leading mental wellness platform, iWill. Any employee who wants to avail the service can register on iWill, after which they would be connected with a leading psychologist who will address the psychological challenges faced by them. The bill for the doctor’s consultation will be footed by the company.
Mental health is one aspect of human well-being about which people have very little understanding, says Urban Company director HR Suhail Vadgaokar. Identifying and treating the symptoms is more critical than ever in these stressful and anxious times, he adds, while acknowledging that treatment and psychological consultations are quite expensive. “Through such initiatives, Urban Company is not only trying to foster employee overall well-being but also create an environment where people feel safe to talk about mental health issues.”
The company has already implemented various employee well-being friendly policies in the past six months: optional work-from-home till 31 December, granting five additional privileged leaves, and no internal meetings on Wednesdays. A buddy system has been implemented for those living alone in the city. The company also follows silence hours and encourages employees to take personal time off from work.
“We are trying to make a difference in society by creating avenues where mental health challenges can be addressed and resolved,” Suhail stated.
MAM
Deepanshu Manchanda named IIMSAM Goodwill Ambassador
Zappfresh founder to advocate for Zero Hunger and nutrition goals.
MUMBAI: Deepanshu Manchanda just got a United Nations side quest because when you’re already fighting hunger from farm to fork, the next level is global goodwill. Deepanshu Manchanda, founder and managing director of DSM Fresh Foods Ltd. (Zappfresh), has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by the Intergovernmental Institution for the Use of Micro-Algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), an observer to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
The honorary, non-remunerative role recognises his work in building inclusive, transparent food systems, strengthening smallholder farmer livelihoods especially women producers and advancing nutrition and food security.
Since founding Zappfresh in 2015, Manchanda has focused on traceability, farmer inclusion and public health. A notable collaboration with Shared Wealth Ventures LLC (a Heifer Project International subsidiary) established a backyard poultry sourcing model across Odisha, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, linking women-led households directly to organised markets while promoting biosecurity and premium procurement practices.
As Goodwill Ambassador, he will support initiatives aligned with:
- SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) – advocating sustainable nutrition solutions
- SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) – raising awareness of malnutrition interventions
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) – fostering collaboration across institutions and communities
Manchanda said, “I’m honoured by IIMSAM’s recognition. It reflects the journey we began at Zappfresh to build transparent food systems that support smallholder farmers and improve nutrition outcomes. I’m eager to support collaborative progress toward Zero Hunger, better nutrition, and strong partnerships on a global scale.”
In a world where hunger and opportunity often sit at the same table, Manchanda isn’t just serving fresh food, he’s serving fresh hope, one traceable chicken and empowered farmer at a time.
