Grumpy At Work? Clock Out! Chinese Company Introduces 'Unhappy Leave' Policy For Employees
Books can be written on working professionals and their leaves saga. While many times we find ourselves guilt-ridden, sometimes it¡¯s absolutely necessary to take a step back and recoup. With the world that we are living in, mental health needs to be taken seriously and this is what a Chinese retail tycoon has prioritized.?
In a great initiative, a company in China has introduced the concept of ¡®unhappy leave¡¯ quota of leaves for employees to help them find a better work-life balance.?
The founder and chairman of Pang Dong Lai- Mr Yu Donglai recently announced that his employees can apply for an additional 10 days leave of absence because ¡°everyone has times when they¡¯re not happy, so if you¡¯re not happy, do not come to work.¡±?
The founder announced that employees will have the autonomy to decide when they take their rest time, and management cannot refuse this request, as doing so would be considered a violation.
What Is ¡®Unhappy Leave¡¯?
According to the company's employment policy, employees will work a maximum of seven hours per day, with weekends off, and they will receive 30 to 40 days of annual leave along with five days off during the Lunar New Year. The founder emphasized, "Our goal is not to expand the company's size, but rather to ensure our employees enjoy a healthy and balanced lifestyle, which ultimately benefits the company as well."
He emphasized the importance of freedom and love, noting that the company had previously implemented a job-level certification system. Yu Donglai stated, "Even a janitor can earn up to 500,000 yuan (Rs 58 lakh approx) annually as long as they reach a certain level of professional capability."
Previously, Yu Donglai criticized the culture among Chinese bosses that promotes long working hours, stating, "Forcing employees to work overtime is unethical and deprives others of opportunities for personal growth."
This Initiative Has Been Getting A Positive Response On Chinese Social Media Platform Weibo
Popular Chinese social media platform Weibo is buzzing with support from the users. Many are voicing their support for this initiative. People are applauding the company¡¯s culture and expressing their desire to work in such a company.?
As per a survey conducted in 2021 on workplace anxiety in China, more than 65 percent of employees are unhappy at work and feel tired.?
