What is a 'sad leave'? who all can take this leave and when

At times, many of us will find it difficult to work due to mental distress and stress. Often the atmosphere in the office can be overwhelming. Sad leave is the leave granted to employees during such circumstances.

It is the supermarket chain Fat Dong Lai in China which introduced the system of sad leave for its employees. The main feature of this system is that the employees can take leave from work without the approval of the boss. According to the company, employees can take up to 10 days of "sad leave" annually with no manager approval.

"Everyone has days when they feel sad. That is human nature. It is necessary to improve the mental health of the workers. When the employees are granted sad leave, they will be happier and their efficiency at work will increase. It will make them feel that the company understands and supports them," Fat Dong's owner Yu Dong Lai told the media.

The company has often been in the news for its decisions to keep its employees happy. Fat Dong Lai has been carrying out several welfare programs for its employees. Additionally, the company offers its employees five days off for Chinese New Year as well as foreign vacation time.