Business News and Information

If you happen to work for Hime & Company, a Japanese marketing firm based in Tokyo, and you’re unlucky in love, you won’t have to call in sick if you feel the need to wallow in self-pity, you can take “heartache leave.” Older employees get more days than those 29 and younger.

Hime & Company CEO, Miki Hiradate said “Women in their 20s can find their next love quickly, but it's tougher for women in their 30s, and their break-ups tend to be more serious.”

Is this company forward thinking, or really sexist? Why does Mr. Hiradate assume are breakups tougher for women, especially older women? Maybe he should have called it ‘I’m-gonna-die-a-spinster’ leave.

I have yet to stumble upon an article that deals with the economic aspect of this policy. Though a funny anonymous post to Yahoo! Answers asks “why cant [sic] they give men Footy leave when the football world cup is on. (Or leave of grievance when your home team losses)”

WalletPop’s Tom Barlow had a similarly humerous take. I suggest reading the California Employee Rights Blog take on the matter.