Fast Company Daily Should you get PTO for breakups?
Nov 4, 2025
A Gen Z employee sparks a viral debate by requesting 10 days off for a breakup. The discussion centers around whether heartbreak should qualify as legitimate PTO. While U.S. workplaces typically lack formal policies for breakup leave, international examples show a more compassionate approach. Studies reveal emotional pain can affect work performance just like physical pain. As the idea of leave expands to cover various personal issues, the podcast explores the implications for empathy and support in the workplace.
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Viral Breakup Leave Request
- A Gen Z employee emailed their boss asking for 10 days off to recover from a breakup, and the request went viral on X.
- Jasveer Singh confirmed he approved the leave without questions for the heartbroken employee.
Emotional Pain Affects Work Like Physical Pain
- Heartbreak isn't covered by standard PTO in the U.S., yet emotional pain can mirror physical pain.
- Studies link relationship breakdowns to real work impairments like poor sleep, focus, and emotional control.
Other Places Already Recognize Heartbreak
- Some countries and companies already recognize breakup-related leave under terms like Liebeskummer or well-being days.
- Acknowledging relationship endings as valid suffering could build more empathetic workplaces.