One-day leave every February 15 proposed bill for single people

A proposed bill seeks to offer single employees a day of respite from Valentine's Day pressures. Cagayan de Oro Representative Lordan Suan's "Singles Well-Being Leave Act" recognizes the potential impact of February 14th on single individuals' mental health and proposes a solution: a one-day leave on "National Single Awareness Day" (February 15th).

 

Suan argues that Valentine's Day can be a "minefield" of social pressure, loneliness, and commercialized reminders for singles. This, he says, can negatively impact their mental health and ultimately, their productivity at work. The bill aims to mitigate these effects by offering a day for self-care and emotional processing.

The bill cites similar initiatives in Japan and South Korea and emphasizes that it doesn't diminish existing leave policies. Instead, it creates an "inclusive option" for single employees facing unique challenges. Suan highlights the potential benefits for both individual well-being and organizational performance.

 

Single employees can avail of this leave by submitting a written request 48 hours prior. While disclosing single status is optional, no specific documentation is required. This approach balances transparency with privacy concerns.

Suan has also proposed "heartbreak leave" for employees who recently ended relationships. This underscores his commitment to addressing the emotional needs of employees in various life situations.

Overall, the Singles Well-Being Leave Act offers a unique approach to promoting mental health and well-being in the workplace. It remains to be seen how it will be received and debated, but it certainly sparks a conversation about the impact of societal pressures on employees and organizations.