‘Unhappy leave’ sets new workplace trend, tackles mental health

PUNE, INDIA — A new workplace trend called “unhappy leave” is gaining traction in a shift toward prioritizing employee well-being. This innovative policy allows employees to take time off when they feel emotionally unwell or dissatisfied, addressing mental health concerns and burnout in the workplace.
The concept of ‘unhappy leave’
Unhappy leave is a straightforward concept – if an employee is not feeling happy, they don’t have to work. This approach recognizes that emotional well-being is just as crucial as physical health and encourages a more compassionate work environment.
Yu Donglai, founder and chairman of the retail chain Pang Dong Lai in China’s Henan province, has implemented a policy allowing employees 10 days of unhappy leave per year. Employees can use this leave at their discretion without needing to provide an explanation, and management cannot deny these requests.
“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.
“We do not want to be big. We want our employees to have a healthy and relaxed life, so that the company will too.”
Rising popularity and benefits
The growing popularity of unhappy leave reflects a cultural shift towards mental health awareness in the workplace. This trend acknowledges that emotional struggles can be as debilitating as physical ailments and directly impact productivity and long-term engagement.
Several factors contribute to the increasing adoption of unhappy leave:
- Talent attraction and retention
- Demand from younger generations entering the workforce
- Companies’ commitment to holistic employee well-being
The benefits of implementing unhappy leave policies include:
- Improved employee morale
- Increased productivity
- Enhanced retention rates
- Similar Initiatives
While unhappy leave is still a relatively new concept, many organizations have begun to adopt similar policies under different names. Tech giants like Google and LinkedIn encourage their employees to take mental health days when they need a break.
In India, where 70% of workers reported job dissatisfaction due to poor work culture, limited growth opportunities, and personal circumstances, some companies are starting to offer flexible work-from-home options or additional mental health resources.
As the future of work evolves to prioritize not just productivity but also the creation of environments where employees feel valued and emotionally secure, unhappy leave represents an important step towards rethinking workplace support for emotional health.