In a groundbreaking move, Chinese retail tycoon Yu Donglai has introduced an “unhappy leave” policy, allowing employees to take up to 10 extra days off when they’re feeling down.
“We want our employees to be happy and healthy, both physically and mentally,” Yu said. “If they’re not feeling well, we don’t want them to come to work and risk affecting their colleagues.”
Yu’s company already offers a range of perks, including 7-hour shifts, full weekends off, up to 40 days of annual leave, and an additional 5-day break for Lunar New Year. However, Yu felt that more needed to be done to support his employees’ mental health.
“The traditional Chinese workplace culture emphasizes hard work and sacrifice, but we’re trying to change that,” Yu explained. “We believe that happy employees are more productive and creative, and that’s good for business.”
In addition to the “unhappy leave” policy, Yu’s company has also introduced a certification program that allows even entry-level employees, such as janitors, to earn up to 500,000 yuan (around $70,000 USD) annually.
“We want to give our employees opportunities to grow and develop, regardless of their position or background,” Yu said. “We believe that everyone has potential, and we want to help them realize it.”
Yu’s innovative approach to employee well-being has been praised by industry experts and employees alike. As one employee noted, “I feel so lucky to work for a company that really cares about our happiness and well-being. It’s a game-changer.”