Heartbroken? Cagayan de Oro lawmaker proposes work leave for recovery

How did you handle work after a break-up? For some, it was difficult to keep their focus. To address this challenge, a lawmaker in Cagayan de Oro has proposed a solution aimed at providing employees with time and space for healing.

House Bill 9931, filed by Cagayan de Oro 1st District Rep. Lordan Suan, seeks to give "heartbreak leave" to employees following the dissolution of a romantic relationship.

The bill states that it recognizes that breakups "can be a significant source of emotional stress and disruption to an individual's personal and professional life." Moreover, "unprocessed emotional distress can negatively impact productivity, employee morale, and workplace health."

Under the measure, employees below the age of 25 will be given a day of unpaid leave annually to "recover from heartbreak" to promote their well-being and continued contribution to the workforce.

Those between the ages of 25 and 35 will be allowed to take two days of unpaid heartbreak leave, and three days for those ages 36 and older.

To qualify for the leave, employees must "provide their employer with a signed statement confirming the dissolution of their romantic relationship within the past thirty (30) days."

They must also submit a written notice of their intention to take heartbreak leave at least 48 hours in advance unless exigent circumstances prevent such notice.

Unused leaves may not be carried over to the following year.

"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," Suan said.

Meanwhile, a hotel in Cebu allows its employees to be given five paid breakup leaves per year as long as they’re dealing with a different ex-lover.

Also included in the breakup leave is a beauty package with facial treatment and body scrub.

Probationary employees can also avail of the offer, with the leaves expiring every year.