Feeling down or burnt out? Employees at Chinese supermarket chain Fat Dong Lai can take up to 10 days of “sad leave” annually, with no manager approval needed.
“Everyone has days when they are sad, that’s human nature,” Mr Yu Dong Lai told Straits Times. Mr Yu started his first store in 1995. It has since expanded into 12 outlets in Henan province, where it originated.
Fat Dong Lai isn’t your average supermarket. Nicknamed the “Haidilao of supermarkets,” they go above and beyond with pampering customer service, offering unique perks like blood pressure checks, handbag care, and even pet feeding stations! Just like Haidilao, the hotpot giant famous for manicures and shoe shines, Fat Dong Lai prioritizes a luxurious and unexpected customer experience.
“But interestingly, when they have this ‘sad leave’, they can feel happy once more. This means that they sense the company’s understanding and support, and get a taste of work-life balance,” Mr Yu said during a week-long supermarket convention held in Henan.
Mr Yu said employees will have the freedom to plan when they want to take leave, Straits Times reported.
The chairman informed that the employees at Fat Dong Lai enjoy up to 40 days of annual leave, on top on top of the five days the retailer shuts during the Chinese New Year period. This stands in stark contrast to the grueling “996” work culture prevalent in some Chinese companies, where workers toil from 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week.
Fat Dong Lai is committed to its employees even when they are not on vacation.They provide a friendly workplace with seven-hour workdays, five days a week.Employee complaints about insults or threats from customers are even eligible for up to 5,000 yuan (S$950) in compensation from the company.
Their dedication doesn’t end there!Fat Dong Lai recently made headlines when it revealed that all of its staff would be taking a vacation abroad, with some staff members visiting Japan and management taking a trip to Europe. These programs bolster Fat Dong Lai’s standing as a pioneer in putting workers’ welfare first.
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