Heartbreak leave can help employees recover from shattered relationships

A Bill in the Philippines is trying to secure time off for workers after a break-up. Could it improve productivity elsewhere?

- Minnie Advincula and Emma Jacobs

In recognition of the "negative emotional baggage" that can come after a relationship break-up, Mr Ricardo Dublado, chief executive of Cebu Century Plaza Hotel in the Philippines, unveiled in 2023 an unusual new staff policy: five days of paid heartbreak leave.

The time off, which can be taken annually provided the break-up is with a different person each year, was inspired by Mr Dublado's own experience. In the Philippines, the idea is catching on: a parliamentary Bill in February proposed that any worker going through a romantic break-up should be eligible for up to three days of unpaid leave.

"Studies reveal the substantial toll break-ups take on individuals, affecting their emotional and mental well-being, leading to decreased productivity, absenteeism and higher healthcare costs," said Congressman Lordan Suan.

Employers across the world have increasingly sought to make concessions for their workers' personal lives, offering well-being days, flexible work and, in some cases, counselling services.