Unhappy leaves: Companies are asking employees to take PTO if they are sad at work

A Chinese retail company is now offering unhappy leaves. (Representational)

In an era where employee well-being has become a focal point of workplace policies, a new trend is making waves: "unhappy leave." This emerging concept allows employees to take time off when they are feeling emotionally unwell or dissatisfied, providing a flexible solution to address mental health and burnout. The idea is simple—if you're not happy, you don't have to work.

Why Unhappy Leave?

The pandemic and subsequent remote working revolution have led to a deeper recognition of mental health in the workplace. Employees increasingly demand that companies cater not just to physical health, but to mental and emotional well-being. A recent report by Happiest Places to Work revealed that 70% of Indian workers are dissatisfied with their jobs, citing factors like poor work culture, lack of growth opportunities, and personal circumstances.

While traditional sick leave typically covers physical ailments, unhappy leave addresses emotional well-being, aiming to enhance workplace satisfaction and reduce burnout.

One of the most prominent examples of this trend comes from China. Yu Donglai, founder and chairman of the retail chain Pang Dong Lai in Henan province, recently announced that employees would be granted 10 days of unhappy leave per year.

This leave can be taken at the employees' discretion, whenever they are feeling emotionally unwell or unhappy. "I want every staff member to have freedom," Yu told South China Morning Post. "Everyone has times when they’re not happy, so if you’re not happy, do not come to work."

The policy’s uniqueness lies in its unconditional approval—employees do not need to explain their reasons for taking leave, and the administration cannot deny the request. Yu’s aim is to let employees independently decide their rest time, encouraging a work-life balance that accommodates emotional downtime.

Why It's Gaining Popularity

The concept of unhappy leave is reflective of a broader cultural shift toward mental health awareness. It recognises that emotional struggles can be just as debilitating as physical ones, and that personal happiness is directly tied to productivity and long-term engagement. Forward-thinking companies, especially in tech and retail sectors, are exploring such policies to attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive job market.

Moreover, as younger generations enter the workforce, there is a stronger demand for mental health resources and more compassionate workplace policies. By offering unhappy leave, companies show their commitment to their employees' holistic well-being, leading to a more positive work culture.

Mental Health Days

While unhappy leave is still a novel idea, some companies have already been adopting similar policies under different names. Tech giants like Google and LinkedIn offer mental health days, encouraging employees to take time off when they need a mental break. Indian companies, too, are slowly joining the conversation, offering flexible work-from-home options or additional mental health resources.

While unhappy leave is still in its infancy, it represents an innovative step toward rethinking how workplaces can better support the emotional health of their employees. The future of work is not just about productivity but about creating spaces where employees feel valued, happy, and emotionally secure.