Company introduces 10 days of ‘unhappy leave,’ with uncertain benefits

Unhappy leave may not be the solution to your work problems, according to psychologist Dr. Art Markman. While some companies offer mental health days to their employees, a Chinese supermarket chain called Pang Dong Lai recently made headlines by introducing 10 days of “unhappy leave” for their workers.

The founder and chairperson of Pang Dong Lai, Chinese retail tycoon Yu Dong Lai, stated that if employees are not happy, they should not come to work and that management cannot deny this leave. However, Dr. Markman believes that while occasional mental health days can be beneficial, unhappy leave may not be the answer to feeling better at work or in life.

According to Dr. Markman, taking a mental health day to recharge and return to work with renewed energy can be helpful. Engaging in relaxing or rewarding activities during this time off can be rejuvenating, especially if you are feeling fatigued or in need of rest. However, taking a day off in the middle of a stressful project may not allow you to fully disconnect from work, as research suggests that people tend to continue thinking about tasks they are in the middle of.

Furthermore, if you are experiencing burnout, simply taking a day off may not be enough. Burnout goes beyond feeling tired and can manifest as signs of depression and anxiety specifically related to work. In such cases, addressing the underlying issues in the workplace, such as unrealistic expectations, abusive bosses, or a culture of harassment, is essential.

Dr. Markman emphasizes the importance of creating a healthy work environment, where leaders respect and support their employees. He suggests that managers and leaders receive training to develop better people skills and ensure that work expectations are reasonable. Additionally, he notes that while time off is important, the focus should also be on maintaining a healthy work-life balance and avoiding long hours of work on a regular basis.

For individuals dealing with chronic mental health issues or stressful life events, seeking professional help is crucial. Dr. Markman advises treating mental health concerns like medical problems and seeking assistance from mental health professionals. Additionally, if your company offers an Employee Assistance Plan, it may be beneficial to utilize it for support and guidance in addressing personal challenges affecting your well-being.

In conclusion, while unhappy leave may be a novel concept, it is important to consider the underlying causes of work-related stress and unhappiness. Addressing these issues through a combination of self-care, seeking professional help, and creating a supportive work environment may be more effective in promoting overall well-being and productivity.