Heard of unhappy leave? Everything you should know about the latest workplace trend

What is unhappy leave
- The unhappy leave trend refers to employees taking time off when they feel emotionally unwell
- Unlike the traditional sick leave, unhappy leave is driven by emotional burnout and stress, providing a flexible solution to address mental health
- This trend is part of promoting a healthy work-life balance
How did the trend start
- The trend originated in China, introduced by a retail supermarket chain called Pang Dong Lai in Henan Province. The chain began offering up to 10 days of unhappy leaves to its employees each year

- This policy allows employees to take leaves whenever they feel emotionally low, with a management promise that no request will be denied
- According to the company, the aim is to improve employee mental health and well-being, which affect workplace morale, job engagement, and productivity
- There is growing international interest in the concept, reflecting a broader movement encouraging companies to prioritise emotional well-being

Happiness at work
- 70% of the Indian workforce reports being unhappy at work
- 54% of employees who feel unsupported or unfulfilled at work are considering leaving their organisations
- Employees who have the opportunity to pursue personal interests within a supportive environment are 60% less likely to leave their jobs
- 59% of the millennials intend to contemplate a job change

(as per Happiness at Work - How Happy is India's Workforce? - 2024 report)