Chinese company introduces annual 'sad leaves' for employees

A supermarket tycoon in China, named Pang Dong Lai, has introduced a 10-day annual 'sad leaves' for its employees well-being and to help achieve a better work-life balance, South China Morning Post reported on Tuesday.

Founder of retail chain, Yu Donglai, said that employees would be eligible to take 10 days of additional leave at their discretion.

“I want every staff member to have freedom. Everyone has times when they’re not happy, so if you’re not happy, do not come to work,” the publication quoted Yu as saying.

Yu added that employees don't have to ask for a permission from their managers to avail 'sad leave'.

“This leave cannot be denied by management. Denial is a violation,” he said.

According to a 2021 survey on workplace anxiety in China, more than 65 percent of employees feel tired and unhappy at work.

Yu announced the initiative to give employees a better enviornment for work, recognising that everyone experiences periods of sadness from time to time.