New Delhi, Nov. 27 -- The four new labour codes-the Code on Wages, the Industrial Relations Code, the Code on Social Security, and the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code-aim to bring greater uniformity and clarity to salary structures.

However, the codes, notified on 21 November, also mean a mixed bag of outcomes for employees. While some statutory benefits, such as gratuity and leave encashment, are expected to increase, strengthening long-term financial security, certain allowances, including maternity benefit payouts, may shrink.

Under the new codes, the definition of 'wages' has been standardized to include basic pay, dearness allowance (DA), and all other allowances unless specifically exempted. More important...