Time off heals all wounds? Heartbreak leave bill for workers filed in House

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Are you still recovering from a painful break-up? 

A Mindanao solon has filed a measure that would grant a "heartbreak leave" and emotional support resources for recovering employees.

Cagayan de Oro 1st district Rep. Lordan Suan introduced House Bill (HB) No. 9931 or the “Heartbreak Recovery and Resilience Act”, which sought to address “a significant, yet often overlooked, factor impacting employee performance and engagement: the emotional turmoil associated with breakups".

Based on the bill’s explanatory note, the conclusion of a romantic relationship often takes a “substantial toll” on individuals.

This affects their emotional and mental well-being, and could lea to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and higher healthcare costs.

“Recognizing this reality, the bill acknowledges the legitimacy of emotional distress stemming from personal life and offers crucial support during this challenging time,” read the bill, which was filed on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14.

This unconventional policy goes beyond a “one-size-fits-all” approach as it recognizes the age-related nuances of heartbreak.

Younger employees, who are facing societal pressure to “quickly bounce back”, may benefit from shorter leave periods. Whereas, older employees might require longer periods as they may have to navigate complex family dynamics or financial dependencies.

HB No. 9931 aims to foster equal access to this leave by fostering gender equality. This means anyone can file for a heartbreak leave regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation.

“Beyond the ethical considerations, the bill offers substantial practical benefits to both employees and employers. By allowing time and space for emotional processing, leave can lead to improved focus and performance upon return,” the measure read.

“By offering heartbreak leave and emotional support resources, this legislation presents a win-win scenario for both employees and employers, fostering engagement, reducing costs, and ultimately contributing to a more humane and productive work environment,” the bill continued.