A Thailand-based marketing agency, Whiteline Group, has introduced an unusual but innovative benefit—paid time off specifically for dating. Dubbed “Tinder leave,” the initiative allows employees to take paid time off to explore romantic opportunities, much like annual or sick leave. The benefit, which runs from July to December 2024, is available to staff who have successfully completed their probation period.
Announced through a LinkedIn post in August, Whiteline highlighted the rationale behind the move: “Our employees can use Tinder leave for dating with someone.” The company, with this move, aims to encourage a healthier work-life balance and foster personal fulfillment among its workforce.
A month ago, an HR professional of the company announced the leave on LinkedIn with its conditions.
Image credit: chonpapassorn-chanyachanwas-50b76817b/LinkedIn
"We are give away 6 months of free Tinder platinum & Tinder gold to our employees and adding new benefits of Tinder leave,” they wrote, sharing pictures from the event.
Whiteline Group, which employs around 200 people at its Bangkok office, also provides its staff with six months of premium Tinder subscriptions—either Tinder Platinum or Tinder Gold. These premium services, which offer enhanced features on the popular dating platform, are part of the company’s strategy to support employees in their quest for meaningful connections.
However, the "Tinder leave" comes with conditions. Employees must give one week’s notice before availing themselves of the paid leave. Additionally, only those who joined the company between July 9 and December 31, 2024, are eligible for this temporary perk.
The initiative was reportedly unveiled during a company event, as part of Whiteline's broader efforts to cultivate an engaging and supportive work environment.
Dating apps face growing criticism for their algorithms and pricing models, some users are turning their backs on the platforms entirely. Dating giants like Match Group, which owns apps like Tinder and Hinge, are now under scrutiny with a class-action lawsuit against the company, accusing it of deliberately designing the apps to keep people swiping endlessly rather than fostering real-life connections.
Match Group dismissed the lawsuit as “ridiculous,” insisting it helps users find dates “every day.”
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