They are known for doing innovative and creative business, and this Diwali, start-ups have come up with novel ideas and concepts that companies can gift their employees.

Start-ups like UrbanClap, Easyfix and Easyrewardz, to name just three, have taken offbeat routes to celebrate Diwali with employees.

UrbanClap, which provides instant professional solutions to customers, from interior decoration to birthday celebrations and plumbing services, is giving its employees the same facilities and options to choose from as Diwali gifts — apart from bonus.

"The company wanted to do something special for its employees. The concept was devised so our employees can also understand the experience of our customers," said UrbanClap co-founder Varun Khaitan.

Easyfix, a start-up set up in 2011 that provides home repair and maintenance services, is giving its employees Diwali light decorations and plumbing services along with other incentives.

"We always give traditional Diwali gifts. This time we thought of doing something different that acts as an extra for employees. The plan was to provide some gifts that are actually needed," said EasyFix founder Shefali Holani.

Another start-up venture, EasyRewardz, which lets customers track, enrol, pool and redeem points and stay engaged via offers, has come up with some interesting rewards for its employees this Diwali.

"Coffee mugs, greeting cards and sweet boxes are now old, monotonous and often useless. We wanted our employees to go for items they need. So we are giving our employees points that act as discount coupons they can utilise for purchase of products of their choice," said Tajas Kadakia, co-founder of EasyRewardz.

For employees, too, getting unexpected Diwali gifts are a welcome step.

Holani said her employees are excited about the off-beat gifts. Khaitan said interior cleaning and decoration often becomes a headache, so his startup is gifting these to its employees on Diwali.

Will the concept continue?

"The office is not just a corporate place; it has become a small family, and any festival becomes special when family members are happy and in a joyous mood. And what better than off-beat gifts to put a smile on the faces of employees?" said Kadakia.