Employment policy

Effective date: 1 January 1991

Our Principles

Manasaram Architects is committed to maintaining a professional, respectful, and accountable working environment. This Employment Policy sets out the principles, expectations, and standards that govern employment within the organization and guide conduct across the studio, on site, and in all work-related interactions.

The organization seeks to foster a workplace that is collaborative, fair, and grounded in integrity, clarity, and responsibility. All team members are expected to contribute to a culture that supports high professional standards and mutual respect.

Equal Opportunity

Manasaram Architects is an equal opportunity employer. The organization does not discriminate in employment, recruitment, compensation, training, promotion, or any other condition of employment based on gender, caste, religion, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

All employment decisions shall be made based on merit, qualifications, performance, suitability for the role, and organizational requirements. Every employee is expected to uphold the same principles of fairness and respect in their conduct toward others.

Professional Conduct

All employees are expected to maintain professionalism, courtesy, and discretion in all work-related settings. This includes communication and interaction with colleagues, clients, consultants, contractors, vendors, site personnel, and any other individuals associated with the organization.

Employees are expected to:

  • Communicate clearly, respectfully, and in good faith.

  • Perform assigned duties with diligence and accountability.

  • Meet agreed deadlines or communicate delays in a timely manner.

  • Respect internal procedures, reporting structures, and confidentiality obligations.

  • Contribute to a disciplined, focused, and cooperative work environment.

Conduct that is disrespectful, disruptive, negligent, abusive, or otherwise inconsistent with the standards of the organization may result in corrective action.

Respectful Workplace

Manasaram Architects is committed to maintaining a workplace in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Harassment, discrimination, bullying, intimidation, humiliation, or any other form of inappropriate conduct is strictly prohibited.

This applies to all forms of interaction, whether in person, on site, in the office, over email, or through digital communication. Any concern or complaint of this nature should be reported promptly to management and will be addressed seriously and, to the extent possible, confidentially.

Working Hours and Leave

Working hours may vary depending on project requirements, deadlines, meetings, site conditions, and operational needs. Employees are expected to be punctual, reliable, and available during agreed working hours.

Leave must be requested in advance wherever reasonably possible and is subject to approval. In the case of illness or emergency, the organization should be informed as early as possible. Leave entitlements, procedures, and conditions shall be governed by applicable law, organizational policy, and the terms of individual employment arrangements.

Performance and Growth

The organization values work that is careful, consistent, and professionally executed. Performance will be assessed not only by output, but also by reliability, quality, collaboration, communication, initiative, and the capacity to learn and respond constructively to feedback.

Manasaram Architects encourages a culture of continuous development. Employees are expected to engage with feedback professionally, pursue improvement in their work, and contribute to the overall growth of the studio.

Confidentiality

During the course of employment, employees may have access to confidential or sensitive information relating to projects, clients, financial matters, research, drawings, internal discussions, and organizational operations.

Employees shall keep such information strictly confidential and shall not disclose, reproduce, circulate, or use it for any purpose other than authorized work. This obligation continues during and after employment, regardless of the circumstances under which employment ends.

Intellectual Property

All work created by an employee in the course of employment, including but not limited to drawings, documents, text, presentations, graphics, research, photographs, and project-related material, shall remain the property of Manasaram Architects unless otherwise agreed in writing.

No employee may use studio work for external publication, promotion, reproduction, or distribution without prior written approval. Any use of organizational material outside the studio must be expressly authorized.

Use of Studio Resources

Office equipment, digital systems, software, files, documents, and all other shared resources must be used responsibly and solely for authorized purposes. Employees are expected to exercise due care in the use and protection of studio property.

Any loss, damage, unauthorized access, copying, sharing, or misuse of studio resources must be reported immediately. Unauthorized removal or retention of organizational property is prohibited.

Health and Safety

The organization is committed to maintaining a safe working environment, both in the studio and on site. Employees are expected to comply with all safety instructions, site protocols, and applicable health and safety requirements.

Employees must:

  • Use protective equipment where required.

  • Report hazards, accidents, or unsafe conditions promptly.

  • Exercise caution during site visits, travel, and construction-related work.

  • Refrain from any conduct that may place themselves or others at risk.

No employee should be instructed or expected to ignore legitimate safety concerns.

External Communication

Employees are expected to exercise care and professionalism in all external communication on behalf of the organization. This includes written correspondence, verbal communication, public representation, press interaction, digital platforms, and social media where relevant.

No employee shall make commitments, public statements, or representations on behalf of Manasaram Architects unless expressly authorized to do so. All external communication should be accurate, respectful, and consistent with the organization’s standards.

Conflict of Interest

Employees shall avoid any situation in which a personal, financial, or professional interest may conflict, or appear to conflict, with the interests of the organization.

Any actual or potential conflict of interest must be disclosed immediately. This may include external professional engagements, financial interests, vendor relationships, or personal circumstances that could affect judgment or objectivity.

The organization may restrict outside work or related activity where it is deemed to interfere with performance, confidentiality, loyalty, or the proper discharge of duties.

Exit and Handover

Upon completion of employment, resignation, or termination, employees are expected to cooperate fully in the handover of ongoing work, return all organizational property, and surrender all documents, files, and other materials belonging to the studio.

Confidentiality obligations and restrictions relating to intellectual property remain in effect after employment ends. Any final settlement, notice period, or separation procedure shall be governed by the employment agreement and applicable law.

Closing Note

This policy reflects the standards and values that underpin the practice of Manasaram Architects: professionalism, respect, accountability, and care. The organization believes that good architecture depends on a disciplined and thoughtful working environment, and this policy is intended to support that purpose.