World of HR: Chinese employer gives workers 10 days of ‘unhappy leave’

Some days, employees show up to work feeling more like a Squidward than a Spongebob. Now, one company in China is encouraging unhappy employees to take the day off.

Where in the world? Pang Dong Lai, a Chinese supermarket chain with more than 7,000 employees, is offering up to 10 days of “unhappy leave” a year, Firstpost reported. It also gives employees weekends off, 30 to 40 days of paid leave annually, and five days off for Lunar New Year, according to Business Standard.

Workers in the world’s most populous country are struggling with their mental health, with 40% at risk of developing mental health issues. This may be thanks, in part, to the rising unemployment rate and cost of living. Those aged between 18 and 25 have the highest levels of anxiety and depression compared to other generations in the workplace, according to a report from the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business.

“Everyone has times when they’re not happy, so if you’re not happy, do not come to work,” Yu Donglai, founder and CEO of Pang Dong Lai, said, according to Business Standard, noting that managers are not allowed to deny the leave.

Some users on social media site Weibo reacted positively to the news, and several expressed a desire to work for the company.

Satellite view. Workers in the US were the unhappiest they’ve been since 2020 in June 2023, according to a 2023 report from BambooHR. While the efficacy of workplace wellness programs has been debated, companies continue to offer a range of well-being benefits, including mental health days, well-being reimbursements, and in-office mediation.

Maybe these time-off policies will get Pang Dong Lai employees closer to Patrick-level happiness.