What Is The 'Unhappy Leave' Workplace Trend?
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15 October 2024
The "unhappy leave" trend is a workplace policy where employees can take time off when they are feeling unhappy or mentally unwell, without the need for specific medical reasons
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It's gaining traction in various countries, particularly in China, where it's aimed at addressing burnout, stress, and disengagement
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The policy recognises mental health as a critical aspect of employee well-being, allowing workers to take leave when they are feeling mentally or emotionally stressed
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It's designed to help reduce burnout, which is common in fast-paced industries like tech, by encouraging employees to step back before reaching a breaking point
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Employees facing conflicts or toxic situations at work can use this leave to take a break, preventing escalation or negative outcomes
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This policy aims to address disengagement, which is a significant issue, with only 13% of employees globally feeling truly engaged at work
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Some companies, like those in manufacturing, have reported fewer accidents as overworked or unhappy employees are given time to recover
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Although currently more common in China, the policy's success could influence workplaces around the world as companies seek to improve employee retention and reduce turnover
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Companies implementing the policy often accompany it with mental health resources, such as counselling or employee assistance programs
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While there are concerns that such policies might reduce productivity in the short term, some argue that happier, healthier employees are more productive in the long run
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