The elusive work-life balance has found a major proponent in China – a country known for its culture of long working hours.
Chinese retail tycoon Yu Donglai has introduced “unhappy leave” to help employees manage stress and ensure they get enough rest, according to South China Morning Post.
Yu, who is the founder and chairman of the Pang Dong Lai supermarket chain in central China, announced during China Supermarket Week last month that employees would be able to request 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,” Yu was quoted as saying.
The supermarket magnate earlier drew broad public support on social media after speaking out against long working hours. Yu called overtime work “unethical” and criticised bosses who disregard the work-life balance of their employees.
More than 65% of employees in China feel tired and unhappy at work, according to a 2021 survey, with low wages and overtime culture among the main factors behind employee unhappiness.