18 June 2024 , 14:44
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We've all had days where we'd much rather just pull the duvet over our heads and not go to work - so could 'unhappy leave' be the answer?
One workplace in China has offered employees up to 10 days of unhappiness leave in addition to sick days, meaning they don't have to go into work if they don't feel happy enough, and management can't refuse these days off either. Yu Donglai, the founder of the Chinese supermarket chain Pang Dong Lai, said that rather than forcing staff to work, it's important to give them "freedom".
"Everyone has times when they're not happy, so if you're not happy, do not come to work," Yu said at an industry conference, according to the South China Morning Post.
Yu said that "denial is a violation" and no manager can refuse an employee one of these days off as he wants to ensure his workers have a "healthy and relaxed life". Not only are they entitled to these days off, Yu has also offered nearly doubled the average pay. He spoke out about China's long hours and said the policy will help to boost morale and "increase productivity, apart from achieving a significant work-life balance."
Chinese companies have been renowned for their work culture, with many employees expected to work from 9am to 9pm on little pay. Now, the 'unhappy leave' notion has been widely welcomed online, with many people praising Yu for his stance on employee benefits and questioning whether something similar should be introduced in the UK.
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According to The Independent, a study in 2018 from the occupational health service BHSF found that two-fifths of UK employees had called in sick with a physical illness when they were actually experiencing poor mental health. However, it's been found that more younger workers are getting confident telling their bosses they need a "mental health day".
A survey by Unmind, a workplace wellbeing platform found that 66 per cent of workers between the ages of 16 and 25 had taken time off due to poor mental health but had said they just felt unwell rather than going into detail.
In the survey, over three quarters (77 per cent) admitted their mental health impacts their career, but 4 in 10 claimed they wouldn't talk about their own mental health with a line manager, even though 8 per cent would like to. Meanwhile, a third (34 per cent) of respondents said they don't expect any mental health and wellbeing support at work, with this answer highest amongst entry-level workers, and those over 45.
So should we all be entitled to unhappiness leave as well as sick days? Many argue it's just a way of wanting a "duvet day", but others say that employee well-being should be a priority.
Measures such as addressing work-life balance, flexible working, overtime rules and out-of-hours emails should also be addressed, employees have argued online. In 17 countries there is a ban on bosses contacting employees in out-of-hours working times, and under Labour's new plans, the UK could become the 18th country to adopt this measure and call it the "right to switch off".
The scheme, spearheaded by deputy party leader Angela Rayner means bosses would be restricted from contacting workers outside of hours by phone or email, something many young voters are in support of.