Lawmaker proposes 'heartbreak leave' | ABS-CBN

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Lawmaker proposes 'heartbreak leave'

Lawmaker proposes 'heartbreak leave'

VIVIENNE GULLA,

ABS-CBN News

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A couple sits along the breakwater on Manila Bay on Friday as storm clouds gather on the horizon. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — A proposed law seeks to grant unpaid "heartbreak leaves" for public and private sector employees to heal from a breakup.

Under House Bill 9931 filed by Cagayan de Oro First District Rep. Lordan Suan, employees under the age of 25 will be entitled to a maximum of one day unpaid heartbreak leave per year.

Those between 25 and 35 years old are proposed be entitled to a maximum of two days unpaid heartbreak leave annually, while employees 36 years old and above are entitled to up to three days unpaid heart break leave yearly.

“Younger employees, facing societal pressure to quickly 'bounce back', may benefit from shorter leave periods, while older individuals navigating complex family dynamics or financial dependencies might require longer periods,” Suan said.

To qualify for the heart break leave, employees must provide their employer with a signed statement confirming the end of their romantic relationship within the past 30 days. They should also notify their employees of their intent to go on leave at least 48 hours in advance.

“This seemingly unconventional policy addresses a significant, yet often overlooked factor impacting employee performance and engagement: the emotional turmoil associated with breakups,” Suan said in his explanatory note.

“Studies reveal the substantial toll breakups take on individuals, affecting their emotional and mental well-being, leading to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and higher healthcare costs… By allowing time and space for emotional processing, leave can lead to improved focus and performance upon return,” he added.

The bill also mandates the labor department and the Civil Service Commission to collaborate with mental health professionals and develop evidence-based resources on navigating heartbreak and emotional well-being.

The agencies are further mandated to create a program to support the development and implementation of confidential emotional support programs within workplaces.

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