Chinese supermarket chain Fat Dong Lai has introduced an innovative benefit known as "sadness leave", allowing employees to take up to 10 days off per year without requiring management approval.

The concept of sad leave recognizes the basic human need for emotional well-being, recognizing that everyone experiences periods of sadness at some point.

The founder of the Chinese company, Yu Dong Lai, underlined this understanding by emphasizing the importance of meeting the emotional needs of employees.

Known for its exceptional customer service, Fat Dong Lai is different from traditional supermarkets and is often nicknamed the “Haidilao of supermarkets”.

Like Haidilao, Fat Dong Lai prioritizes customer satisfaction by offering unique perks like blood pressure checks, handbag care, and pet feeding stations.

According to a Strait Times article, Fat Dong Lai employees typically work seven hours a day, five days a week, in stark contrast to the notorious 996 culture practiced by some Chinese companies, where workers are required to work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week.

Additionally, the Chinese company demonstrates its commitment to supporting its employees by offering compensation of up to RMB 5,000 (approximately Rs. 57,668) for grievances suffered at work, including cases of abuse or threats from customers.

This proactive approach to employee wellbeing sets a positive example for other businesses, highlighting the importance of prioritizing mental health and creating a positive working environment.