A Chinese retail entrepreneur has reportedly introduced ‘unhappy leave’ to assist his employees in achieving a healthier work-life balance.

According to a report from CNBC, Yu Donglai made the announcement in late March, which outlined that staff members are free to request an additional 10 days of leave at any time. The leave he said, cannot be denied by management.

“I want every staff member to have freedom. Everyone has times when they’re not happy, so if you’re not happy, do not come to work,” Donglai reportedly said. “This leave cannot be denied by management. Denial is a violation.”

In a speech in March 2023, the businessman reportedly criticised the practice of Chinese employers that support extended workweeks. Dubbing it unethical, Donglai said it was “an appropriation of other people’s opportunities for growth to make staff work overtime.”

According to the CNBC article, Donglai’s employment policies state that workers only have to put in seven hours a day, have the weekends off, and are eligible for 30 to 40 days of paid time off per year in addition to five days off for the Lunar New Year.