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By Jamie Carson
November 7, 2023
Image via Shutterstock.
Mental Health Days Are Beneficial for Companies and Employees Alike
We’ve all been there: despite showering, dressing, and making the commute, the energy to tackle the workday just isn’t there. All you can think about is heading home and diving under the covers. Stress, anxiety, and the occasional bout of depression are part of life, and it’s high time we acknowledge that by incorporating mental health days into every workplace.
Everyone needs a pause every now and then. Taking time off allows us to focus on our mental wellbeing. Stepping away from the relentless hustle (yes, I’m talking about that never-ending stream of emails) gives us the chance to rest, recharge, and change our perspective. Mental health days can prevent burnout or, worse yet, that moment when you feel like throwing a printer out of the window like in Office Space. As workplace communication expert, Alex Rivera, pointed out, “Neglecting your stress and emotional health can impact your job performance and overall composure, which might even lead to layoffs or health issues that affect your career and personal life.”
The less glamorous aspects of life aren’t anyone’s fault, yet by denying people the opportunity to manage these phases, we end up doing ourselves a disservice. In a compelling piece for The Daily Buzz, writer Mark Timmons argued for the importance of mental health days: “Everyone should be entitled to not just sick days, but also days dedicated to coping and resting; days meant to address emotional health when it’s not aligning with how we usually function.” We’ve all felt that exhaustion, and as Timmons poignantly noted, “But there’s work to do! To-do lists await, clients need appeasing, and deadlines loom. Who has time for feelings? Feelings don’t pay bills or feed babies.” He perfectly encapsulates the stressful juggling act that many face when trying to balance work demands with mental health needs, especially without supportive policies like mental health days.
Timmons emphasized, “Employees should be able to take these days without having to justify their emotional state.” Every worker should have the chance to say “no” and not face the judgment of colleagues or management for needing a break. Making mental health days a requirement creates a healthier workplace environment and boosts employee morale. You might be wondering, “Sure, a day off sounds great, but why would my employer support it?” The answer is straightforward: mental health issues come with a hefty price tag for companies. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the annual cost of mental illness to U.S. businesses exceeds $300 billion. Mental health days can help employees manage their mental wellbeing before escalating issues lead to costly medical interventions.
It’s time to advocate for ourselves and our colleagues by pushing for mental health days. We have sick leave for the flu and bereavement days for family losses, so why not include mental health days on the roster? As Timmons eloquently stated, “Society needs to create space for those who require it; that’s how a community flourishes.”
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Summary
Mental health days are essential for maintaining a balanced and productive workplace. They allow employees to focus on their mental wellbeing and ultimately benefit companies by reducing costs associated with mental health issues. It’s crucial to advocate for these days, just as we do for sick leave and bereavement time, to create a healthier work environment for everyone.