Chinese grocery chain called Fat Dong Lai, has created a unique benefit called “sad leave”, that allows staff to enjoy up to 10 working days of vacation each year without having to get approval from the manager.

The idea “sad leave” acknowledges the basic human need to be emotionally well, acknowledging that everyone goes through moments of sadness at some moment in time.

Its founder, Yu Dong Lai, the founder of Chinese business, Yu Dong Lai, stressed this knowledge, highlighting the importance of meeting the emotional demands of employees.

Famous for its outstanding services to customers, Fat Dong Lai distinguishes itself from traditional supermarkets. It is often referred to as the “Haidilao of supermarkets.”

Much like Haidilao Fat Dong Lai prioritizes customer satisfaction through offering exclusive advantages like blood pressure tests, handbag care, feeding stations for pets.

According to an article published by The Strait Times, employees at Fat Dong Lai typically work all day long 5 times per week. This is in stark contrast with the 996-style tradition that is practiced by certain Chinese firms, where employees are required to be on the job from 9 am to 9 pm, every day seven days a week.

Additionally, the Chinese company shows its commitment to its employees by offering the possibility of a compensation amounting to five thousand dollars (approximately the sum of Rs. 57,668) in the event of a grievance at work, which includes incidents of insults to customers or threats.

The proactive way to improve employee health sets a good model for other businesses and emphasizes the importance of putting mental health first and creating a positive working environment.

Acknowledging Emotional Needs

In contrast to Chinese businesses that are famous for their 996 culture in which workers are expected to work for long hours. Fat Dong Lai offers a more flexible approach. The average employee works 7 hours per day 5 times per week, which promotes a better life balance.

Additionally, Fat Dong Lai demonstrates its dedication to helping its employees with the possibility of a compensation amounting to 5,000 yuan in complaints made at work and also for instances of customer harassment or insults. The proactive way to improve employee health sets a precedent for other businesses and emphasizes the importance of focusing on mental health and creating a positive working environment.

Supportive Policies

The introduction of “sad leaves” has reflected the growing recognition of the importance of mental health concerns at work and highlights the importance of employers being able to adopt proactive measures to help their employees’ mental health. Employers can allow employees to take a break to attend to their needs for emotional health. Fat Dong Lai acknowledges the importance of self-care and encourages an overall healthier and more productive workforce.

Initiatives such as ‘sad leaves’ are a reminder that investing in employee wellbeing is not just the best option, but also helps to create an overall positive corporate culture and overall success of the business.

Fat Dong’s announcement of “sad leaves” is an important step in the direction of making mental health a priority for employees and well-being at work. By acknowledging and meeting the emotional demands of its employees the company sets an excellent model for others to emulate creating a more caring and tolerant working environment for all.