Chinese employee granted 'mood leave' over lack of snow
A woman in Hangzhou, China, recently made headlines when she was granted "mood leave" by her employer due to her sadness over the lack of snow in the city. A video of her obtaining this unique leave went viral on social media, sparking both envy and amusement. The video posted by the woman reportedly showed her filling out her leave application, citing the reason as, "It isn't snowing in Hangzhou and I am feeling emotional."
Unique leave policies attract attention
This company offers a variety of unconventional leaves, such as Women's Day and Children's Day, in addition to the usual wedding and bereavement leaves. The CEO has publicly stated that employees can say no to their boss and take "mood leave" if they're unhappy. The employee told Riverside Video, "Our boss has made it clear that if an employee is unhappy, they can request this type of leave at any time without affecting their salary or performance bonus."
Generous benefits amid China's demanding work culture
In China's intense 996 work culture, where employees work from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm six days a week, companies with generous benefits often gain attention. Another company, owned by retail tycoon Pang Donglai, has also gained attention for a similar cause. The company included a "Grievance Award" for employees who feel wronged, a workweek of fewer than 40 hours, and at least 30 days of annual paid holiday—nearly triple the national average, as per market research.
Social media reactions
This policy has amused many on social media, with one user commenting, "With this reason for leave, now the whole country knows you just want to go out and have fun." "Cherish such a company and boss. The world has no shortage of reasons for leave, but having a boss who understands and grants such freedoms is rare. Save up a few days and go enjoy yourself!," wrote another.
Why is this story worth highlighting
Recognizing that emotional well-being directly impacts an individual's overall productivity and job satisfaction, offering mood leave acknowledges the importance of mental health in the workplace. This progressive approach reflects an understanding that employees may face occasional challenges that impact their emotional state and, by providing them with the flexibility to take time off when needed, organizations demonstrate a commitment to the holistic well-being of their workforce.
