“2 kg heavier, 10 times happier…”: A Delhi company gives its employees a 9-day Diwali holiday, wins hearts

In an era where long hours and back-to-office mandates dominate workplace conversations, one Delhi-based PR firm is making headlines for all the right reasons. Elite Marque, led by founder and CEO Rajat Grover, has announced a nine-day Diwali holiday – a widely praised move for putting employee wellbeing first.

The announcement, sent via a company-wide email, caught employees by surprise. In his note, Grover encouraged the team to “relax, share late-night laughs with family and eat lots of sweets,” while humorously advising them to avoid formal communications altogether. “Stop emails, unless it is Amazon, Swiggy or Zomato,” he wrote.

The company announced a full holiday from October 18 to October 26, 2025, describing it as “extra time” for employees to relax and reconnect with loved ones. The letter, full of wit and warmth, urged employees to “binge-watch family dramas,” “break personal records for eating cashew cutlis,” and “master the art of sleeping in until noon.”

“Until then, spread smiles, crack open crackers responsibly, and enjoy every bit of the festive craziness,” Grover added, hoping everyone comes back “two kilograms heavier and 10 times happier.”

The email quickly went viral after an employee shared it on LinkedIn, calling the initiative an example of “real workplace culture.” “A true workplace culture is characterized by an employer that always puts the needs and well-being of its employees first,” she wrote in her post.

talking to Hindustan TimesA company spokesperson said the announcement was received as a “delightful gift” at all levels. “From new joiners to senior leaders, everyone felt it was a reminder that work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a responsibility,” the spokesperson said.

Elite Marque’s move has received widespread resonance at a time when employees across various industries are reporting record levels of stress and burnout. By valuing empathy over burnout, the company has struck a chord with professionals who crave balance and belonging in the modern workplace.

In an increasingly competitive corporate environment, Grover’s message is both simple and profound—sometimes the most productive thing a leader can do is let employees rest.