Have you ever overheard a coworker express the need to take a mental health day off work? For years, employees have used this phrase to communicate their exhaustion and the need to take a break from work to recharge their mental batteries. 

In this article, we will delve into the topic of mental health days, examining why employees feel compelled to take them and how employers should respond to this trend. 

Why do employees need mental health days to thrive at work?

Mental health days have significant mental health benefits for employees and are now becoming an essential employee benefit, and an increasing number of employers are realizing that mental health at work is a critical aspect of employee well-being programs.

Workplace stress can be significant for many individuals, and it can take a toll on their mental health. A mental health day can help employees alleviate this workplace anxiety and create a better work-life balance. Appropriate mental health and wellness programs can reduce workplace stress and anxiety.

Mental health days can also help employees avoid burnout, which is a common problem in many workplaces. Taking a day off to focus on mental health can help prevent burnout and allow employees to return to work feeling refreshed and re-energized. Employee assistance programs and flexible benefits can offer support to employees struggling with mental health in the workplace.

By acknowledging the importance of mental health at work and allowing employees to take time off to prioritize it, employers can create a workplace culture that values and supports mental health. Employers can show support for mental health in the workplace by offering mental health days, flexible benefits, and employee assistance programs as part of their HR benefits package.

Warning Signs Your Employees may need a Mental Health Day

Increased stress levels: If employees are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it may be a sign that they need time off to focus on their mental health. Employers should be aware of the warning signs and offer support to employees.

Decreased productivity: If employees struggle to focus or complete tasks, it may be a sign that they are experiencing mental fatigue and need a break. Employers can offer mental health and wellness programs to improve employee productivity.

Increased absenteeism: If employees are taking more sick days or unscheduled time off, it may be a sign that they are struggling with their mental health and need time to recharge. 

Physical symptoms: Mental health issues can manifest as physical symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, or stomach problems. If employees are experiencing these symptoms, it may be a sign that they need to take a mental health day to address the underlying cause. 

Changes in behavior or mood: If employees are acting differently or seem to be in a negative mood, it may be a sign that they are struggling with their mental health and could benefit from a mental health day.

What employers should do or not do & why

While there is growing recognition among employers about the importance of supporting mental health in the workplace, only a small percentage are planning to expand their employee assistance programs. To address this issue, employers can take several steps:

Firstly, they should communicate more frequently with employees, encouraging them to take PTO or mental health days when needed. Companies that are new to providing mental health days should create a campaign to inform employees about this additional benefit. Employers can use an employee benefits and perks platform like Batik to offer flexible benefits and mental health days to support employee wellbeing.

Secondly, managers should lead by example by using their mental health days and avoiding contact with employees while they are away from the office. Additionally, employers should avoid asking intrusive questions when employees request mental health days.  

Thirdly, employers should measure the effectiveness of their mental health benefits by asking employees if they have used or will use the benefit and whether it helped them. By measuring the effectiveness of benefits, employers can improve their mental health and wellness programs and employee assistance programs to better support employee wellbeing.

Lastly, employers should be mindful of the stigma associated with mental illness and work to create a culture that values and supports mental health. Employers can use an employee benefits and perks platform like Batik to offer flexible benefits and mental health days to support employee wellbeing and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

Summing it up

Encouraging mental health days in the workplace can lead to a positive culture change, benefiting both employees and employers. By taking time off to focus on their mental health, employees can return to work feeling refreshed and more productive. Employer support can help employees during challenging times by providing mental health days without any guilt or burden.

Rather than discouraging employees from taking mental health days, employers can create a supportive environment that values employee well-being. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and loyalty among employees, resulting in a more productive and engaged workforce. Ultimately, prioritizing mental health in the workplace can benefit everyone involved.

To ensure employee well-being, employers need to prioritize mental health in the workplace by offering mental health and wellness programs, flexible benefits, and employee assistance programs as part of their HR benefits package. 

About Batik

Batik is an employee benefits and perks platform built on a mission to help employers elevate the benefits offered to employees. Batik allows employers to access flexible benefits across various categories such as finance, insurance, gift cards, health, fitness, etc at exclusive prices that suit the needs of each generation. Employers can provide benefits with just one click and support their workforce’s well-being with zero administrative burdens.