What Is Unhappy Leave? Here's How Firms Are Prioritising Employee's Wellbeing

A recent report from Happiest Places to Work revealed that 70 per cent of Indian workers are dissatisfied with their jobs, citing issues such as poor work culture and limited growth opportunities

Today, employee well-being is at the forefront of workplace policies, and organisations are trying to take different steps to ensure this need is fulfilled. Among all the other efforts and trends emerging for employee well-being, a new trend is gaining traction: "unhappy leave." This concept permits employees to take time off when they are feeling emotionally unwell or dissatisfied, offering a flexible approach to addressing mental health and burnout. The premise is straightforward—if you're not happy, you shouldn't have to work.

The pandemic and the subsequent shift to remote work have brought greater awareness of mental health in the workplace. Employees increasingly demand that companies prioritise not just physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. A recent report from Happiest Places to Work revealed that 70 per cent of Indian workers are dissatisfied with their jobs, citing issues such as poor work culture, limited growth opportunities, and personal circumstances.

While traditional sick leave typically addresses physical ailments, "unhappy leave" focuses on emotional well-being, aiming to improve workplace satisfaction and reduce burnout.

One notable example of this trend comes from China. Yu Donglai, founder and chairman of the retail chain Pang Dong Lai in Henan province, recently announced that employees will be entitled to 10 days of unhappy leave each year.

Employees can take this leave at their discretion whenever they feel emotionally unwell or unhappy. "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 told South China Morning Post.

What sets this policy apart is its unconditional approval—employees are not required to provide reasons for their leave, and management cannot deny their requests. Yu aims to empower employees to make their own decisions about rest, promoting a work-life balance that accommodates emotional downtime.

The concept of unhappy leave reflects a broader cultural shift towards mental health awareness, acknowledging that emotional struggles can be as debilitating as physical ailments. It highlights the connection between personal happiness, productivity, and long-term engagement. Innovative companies, particularly in the tech and retail sectors, are adopting such policies to attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive job market.