New Labour Codes: Paid Leave, Work Hours, and Health Benefits Revised for Indian Workers

New Delhi, Nov 23, 2025: The Indian government has introduced new labour codes aimed at improving working conditions, making workplaces safer, and giving employees more predictable schedules. These changes apply across all sectors and are expected to benefit millions of workers in industries ranging from manufacturing and retail to construction and textiles. One of the biggest updates concerns paid leave. Previously, employees had to work 240 days in a calendar year to qualify for annual paid leave. Under the new codes, this has been reduced to 180 days. This means workers can now take leave earlier in the year, helping them rest, recover, and maintain better work-life balance. Work hours are also being restructured. While the overall limit of eight hours a day and 48 hours a week remains, states can now allow flexible weekly schedules. For instance, an employee could work up to 12 hours a day over four days, about 9.5 hours in a five-day week, or eight hours per day over six days. Overtime will continue to require the worker’s consent and must be paid at twice the normal wage rate. The earlier limit of 75 hours of overtime per quarter has been removed, giving states the flexibility to adjust caps based on local needs. Health benefits have received a major boost. Employees over 40 will now receive free annual health checkups. This move emphasizes preventive healthcare and aims to detect health issues early, particularly for workers in physically demanding or hazardous jobs. Plantation workers will now have access to ESIC medical facilities, which were previously not uniformly available. These reforms are designed to reduce worker fatigue, prevent illness, and improve long-term health outcomes. The government expects that healthier, well-rested employees will be more productive, experience fewer workplace accidents, and contribute to more stable employment relationships. Overall, the new labour codes represent a pro-worker approach, focusing on safety, health, and flexibility, while allowing businesses to maintain productivity. By cutting the required days for paid leave, enabling flexible work hours, and providing free health checkups, India is moving toward a workplace model that prioritizes employee well-being without compromising efficiency. New Labour Codes: Paid Leave, Work Hours, and Health Benefits Revised for Indian Workers New labour codes are reshaping work in India! Employees can now qualify for paid leave after 180 days instead of 240, giving workers more flexibility to rest and recharge. Work hours remain capped at 8 per day and 48 per week, but states can allow flexible schedules – like 12 hours a day over four days or 9.5 hours over five. Overtime still needs consent and pays double, with previous quarterly limits removed. Health benefits also get a boost. Employees over 40 can now get free annual health checkups, helping detect issues early and reduce long-term medical costs. Plantation workers will finally have uniform access to ESIC facilities. These changes aim to reduce fatigue, improve safety, and make workplaces more predictable. The codes balance worker well-being with productivity, ensuring employees are healthier and more engaged while businesses can maintain efficiency. Flexible work hours, earlier leave eligibility, and preventive health measures mark a significant shift toward a more supportive work environment in India.