Chinese Employee, 'Feeling Emotional' Due To Lack Of Snow In Hangzhou, Gets Mood Leave

An employee in China, disappointed about the lack of snow in her area, was granted “mood leave” by her employer amid the winter tourism craze. A video from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, depicting the process of obtaining this unique leave, has gone viral, sparking a blend of envy and amusement on social media.

In the video, she is seen completing her leave application, citing the reason as, “No snow in Hangzhou, and I am feeling emotional.” The woman explained to Riverside Video that her company has a longstanding policy of “mood leave.” Her boss has explicitly stated that employees can request such leave anytime without repercussions on salary or performance bonuses.

The company provides a range of distinct leave options, including ones for Women’s Day and Children’s Day, alongside the customary breaks for weddings and bereavement. The CEO had previously stated publicly that employees have the right to decline requests from their bosses, emphasizing that if employees are unhappy, they can freely opt for “mood leave.”

The policy has sparked amusement on mainland social media, with some expressing envy. A commentator remarked, “With this leave reason, everyone now knows you just want to go out and have fun.” Another concurred, stating, “This boss is truly wise; letting unhappy employees work can easily result in errors and losses for the company.”

“Cherish such a company and boss. The world has no shortage of reasons for leave, but having a boss who understands and grants such freedoms is rare. Save up a few days and go enjoy yourself!” remarked a third individual. In China’s demanding 996 work culture, where employees work from 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week, companies offering generous benefits often attract attention and publicity.

The company’s benefits include a “Grievance Award” ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 yuan (US$700 to US$1,100) for employees who feel wronged while following standard work procedures. Additionally, employees can work less than 40 hours a week, and the company provides a minimum of 30 days of annual paid leave, nearly three times the country’s average, according to a 2015 study by the market research firm YouGov.