Chinese boss announces ‘unhappy leaves’, asks sad employees to go off work

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.

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.

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Another said, “I want to switch to Pang Dong Lai. I feel like I would gain happiness and respect there."

(With inputs from agencies)