"Employees Will Now Be Entitled To 10 Days Of 'Sad Leave' Per Year," Yu Dong Lai

Experiencing monday blues, or sad because of some undisclosed reason; well, if you happen to be an employee of the Chinese supermarket chain Fat Dong Lai, there's some good news for you. Recently, the company's chairman announced a new policy: employees will now be entitled to 10 days of "sad leave" per year. And here's the kicker – managers cannot reject these leave requests. 

According to Mr. Yu Dong Lai, the visionary behind the company since its inception in 1995, "Everyone has days when they feel down; it's simply part of being human." From its humble beginnings, Fat Dong Lai has grown into a network of 12 outlets in its home province of Henan, a testament to its commitment to employee well-being and understanding of the human experience. 

According to Mr. Yu Dong Lai, the visionary behind the company since its inception in 1995, "Everyone has days when they feel down; it's simply part of being human." 

He reiterates the motto behind providing such leaves, “But interestingly, when they have this ‘sad leave’, they can feel happy once more. This means that they sense the company’s understanding and support, and get a taste of work-life balance,” Mr Yu said during a week-long supermarket convention held in Henan.

Mr. Yu highlighted that at Fat Dong Lai, employees already enjoy a generous allowance of up to 40 days of annual leave, complemented by the retailer's closure for five days during the Chinese New Year period.

Moreover, their work schedule typically consists of seven-hour shifts, five days a week – a stark departure from the demanding 996 culture prevalent in some Chinese companies, where employees are expected to work from 9am to 9pm, six days a week.

This isn't the first time Fat Dong Lai has garnered attention for its employee-centric approach and associated benefits. In 2023, the company disclosed to Chinese media that employees are entitled to compensation of up to 5,000 yuan (S$950) for workplace grievances, including instances of customer insults or threats.

Adding to its reputation, Fat Dong Lai recently made headlines again on April 5, as reports surfaced that all employees would be treated to overseas holidays. Management-level staff are slated for Europe, while other team members will have the opportunity to explore Japan, providing valuable exposure and rejuvenation for all.