Chinese boss announces ‘unhappy leaves’, asks sad employees to go off work
Representative image shows work-life balance
As the world grows more concerned about a better work-life balance, a Chinese retail tycoon has unveiled a major bonanza for its employees. Yu Donglai, the founder and chairman of Pang Dong Lai, has declared that the employees of his retail company can claim 10 days of “unhappy leaves”. He took the decision because “everyone has times when they’re not happy, so if you’re not happy, do not come to work.” He also added that the management can’t deny these ‘unhappy leaves’ to the employees and doing so would be deemed a violation. “This leave cannot be denied by management. Denial is a violation,” he added.
Seven-hour shift
The company’s employment policy prefers a healthy work-life balance. As per media reports, Pang Dong Lai offers a seven-hour daily shift with weekends off. Employees are also entitled to 30 to 40 days of annual leave as well as five days off during the Lunar New Year. “We do not want to be big. We want our employees to have a healthy and relaxed life, so that the company will too,” Yu Donglai said.
He added that “freedom and love” are very important.
Job-level certification system
Yu Donglai earlier introduced a job-level certification system in his company. Under this system, “even a janitor can earn up to 500,000 yuan (US$70,000) annually as long as their professional capabilities reach a certain level," he added.
)
Sajeeb Wazed raises Indian security concerns, calls Bangladesh a 'failed state'
)
Did Trump's helicopter nearly collide with a passenger jet? US launches probe
)
Scientists find descendants of ancient sea creatures trapped under Antarctica's Blood Falls
)
Ukrainian astronomers see gargantuan objects dashing at 39,600 kmph on the Moon - 'They can reach Earth in 20 minutes'
)
Pentagon draws up new nuclear strategy in the event of war with Russia and China
)
'Time to step away': Cambridge's youngest Black professor resigns amid plagiarism row - What we know
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Who is Shreya Kalra? Meet the social media star who lifted the Lock Upp 2 trophy
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (August 3-9, 2026): Main Vaapas Aaunga, Uyir, Operation Safed Sagar- 6 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
The genetic roots of Tamils: 75,000 DNA markers decoded in latest study of Sangam-era settlement
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors
)
UP gangster Atiq Ahmed's son, on way to meet jailed brother, killed in road accident in Jhansi
)
Strait of Hormuz deal with Oman being ‘finalised’: Iran’s foreign ministry
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
)
Ex top Pakistan official blames economic woes on China: Here's how CPEC became a failure
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
Mark Zuckerberg apologises to Indian government over harmful content, platform errors amid PM video row
)
‘Pakistan called for ceasefire, we kept them waiting’: Ex-CDS Anil Chauhan recalls Operation Sindoor
)
Several Indian states ban analogue paneer: Experts explain what it is and the health risks | WION Decodes
)
American blogger Perez Hilton, covered in blood, cuts himself during livestream, hospitalized after distressing incident
)
'Dhoni Made Fleming Great': Panesar says ECB made the wrong choice for England Test coach
)
'Affront to our sovereignty': Bangladesh slams India over Sheikh Hasina's Delhi press conference
)
What’s happening in Nepal? How did a local clash turn into communal violence? WION Decodes
)
CJP's Saurav Das alleges YouTubers broke into his house, seeks Delhi Police action
)
India deploys joint outbreak response team as Chandipura virus spreads in Gujarat, Rajasthan
)
Lightning bolt strikes football field in Thailand, killing a player during a match
)
Trump administration refunds $100 billion in tariffs after Supreme Court ruling
Donglai had earlier condemned Chinese bosses for expecting youngsters to work for longer hours. He had said, “Making staff work overtime is unethical and an expropriation of other people’s opportunities for growth."
Reaction on Chinese internet
Users on the Chinese internet lauded the move by Donglai, with some saying such culture should be promoted worldwide.
“Such a good boss and this company culture should be promoted nationwide," one user said.
Watch:China Embassy reacts to Taiwan FM's WION interview, says 'It will eventually unify with motherland'
Another said, “I want to switch to Pang Dong Lai. I feel like I would gain happiness and respect there."
(With inputs from agencies)