Proposed bill to allow single people to have one-day leave every Feb. 15
Some might agree that being single in the month of love can be torture, but this proposed bill allowing for a one-day leave every Feb. 15 for those who are uncoupled may turn things around.
The bill, titled "Singles Well-Being Leave Act," was filed by Cagayan de Oro First District Representative Lordan Suan and it aims to promote mental health among single people by allowing them to take a day off from work every Feb. 15, which is also known as the "National Single Awareness Day."
In the document, Suan explained that Valentine's Day, which takes place a day prior, can be a "minefield of social pressure, loneliness, and commercialized reminders of their relationship status" for single employees.
"All of these factors significantly influence their mental health and, consequently, their productivity at work," he stated.
"Offering a day for self-care and emotional processing mitigates the negative effect on work productivity," he continued, adding that previous research had shown that prioritizing employee well-being leads to higher retention, rates, loyalty, and overall organizational performance.
Suan cited similar initiatives from countries such as Japan and South Korea and emphasized that the measure does not diminish existing leave policies, but "simply creates an inclusive option for a specific demographic and its unique challenges."
"[I]t seeks to promote both individual well-being and organizational benefit, fostering a more positive and productive work environment for everyone," Suan highlighted.
The bill defines a single employee as "any employee who is not currently in a committed romantic relationship on the date of application for leave."
In its provisions, those who wish to avail the singles' well-being leave must submit a written request to their immediate supervisor at least 48 hours prior to the desired date of leave.
Employees may choose to disclose their single status if they're comfortable doing so, but no specific documentation is required to support the leave request.
In General Luna, Quezon, Mayor Matt Florido issued an executive order granting single government employees two special stress leaves or two days of double pay after Valentine's Day.
'Heartbreak' leave
Suan has also filed another bill related to the romantic lives of people, House Bill No. 9931, which aims to grant "heartbreak leave" for employees who just ended their relationship.
To qualify for the special leave, the measure says an employee must provide their employer with a signed statement confirming they had gone through a breakup within the past 30 days. The number of leaves will also depend on the age of the worker.