‘Not happy, do not come to work’: China retail tycoon introduces ‘unhappy leave’, sparks online discussion
- Boss condemns Chinese culture of advocating long working hours
- Staff work 7-hour days, have weekends off, get string of perks
A retail tycoon in China has introduced “unhappy leave” days to help employees achieve a better work-life balance.
During 2024’s China Supermarket Week in late March, Yu Donglai, who is the founder and chairman of Pang Dong Lai, a retail chain in central China’s Henan province, announced that employees would be eligible to request 10 days of additional leave at their discretion.
The event is a six-day gathering to promote the development of the country’s supermarket sector.
“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,” said Yu.
Yu wants employees to freely determine their own rest time, and for them all to have sufficient relaxation outside work.
“This leave cannot be denied by management. Denial is a violation,” he said.
