Do you need a mental health break from work? When is it a good idea?

Why are mental health day offs important?

As corporate interest grows around addressing mental health challenges in the workplace, Sigal Atzmon, CEO & founder, Medix Global, says her goal as a leader is to foster a culture that stresses responsible and sustainable work-life integration and ensures people have a supportive environment.

Dr Rohan Kumar, consultant psychiatrist, Regency Hospital, explained that mental health days offer a reprieve from the demands and stressors of work, allowing individuals to recharge both physically and mentally. This time off can prevent burnout, enhance resilience, and contribute to long-term job satisfaction, he added. Addressing mental health concerns promptly can also prevent the development of more severe conditions.

There is a growing understanding that supporting employees’ mental health is not only a compassionate approach but also a strategic one, benefiting both individuals and the organisation as a whole, all experts agreed. Atzmon tells indianexpress.com in an interaction that she has learned first-hand the power of pressing pause, even briefly. “After taking a day off and spending time with family, cooking, or in nature, I feel physically refreshed, emotionally centered, and mentally sparked with new perspectives to share. I want to ensure every team member can experience that same motivational lift.”

As CEOs setting the pace and culture, we must model holistic leadership that honours mental health as essential for human and company thriving, she added.

Rohini Rajeev, senior psychotherapist and founder, The Able Mind, noted, “In between this hustle culture, we need to find ways to look inwards and pause. Acknowledge with this time off that everyone needs to relax and unwind to resume responsibilities afresh and with agility and more effectively.

Do you need to disclose your mental health problems?

Disclosing mental health needs in the workplace is a personal decision and not a duty. However, fostering open communication around mental health can contribute to a supportive work culture.

Sridhar Laxman, executive coach, explained that the organisation’s culture dictates the extent of trust and openness the employee brings. “When the culture and leadership make it safe for the employees to display vulnerability and be confident that there will be no stigma or discrimination, they will observe more transparent conversations and disclosures.”

How do you ask for a mental health day off? Source: Freepik)

Dash noted that if you’re choosing to disclose, it’s advisable to do so thoughtfully, potentially involving HR or a supervisor for support while maintaining confidentiality. Do so in a manner that focuses on the impact on work performance and the proactive steps you are taking to manage your well-being.

How do you ask for a mental health day off?

When requesting a mental health day from a potentially unreceptive superior, it’s crucial to frame the request in a way that highlights its positive impact on work performance. Dr Kumar stressed on emphasising the need for a brief break to recharge and refocus, which can ultimately enhance productivity. Use concrete examples of how taking this time off can contribute to your well-being and, by extension, your effectiveness in the workplace.

Dash recommended providing a transparent strategy for managing responsibilities during your absence can reassure your superior, demonstrating your commitment to maintaining a seamless workflow.

That said, broaching the topic of time off and keeping it at a more surface level instead of divulging the details, especially if the company does not offer or take cognisance of mental health days, may be necessary at times, advised Rajeev.

Dr Saroj Gupta, CEO and founder, MyDigiRecords, explained that a lack of transparency can contribute to a culture where mental health days are taken without proper context or communication, potentially leading to misunderstandings and an erosion of trust within the workplace.

Imagine this: someone taking a mental health day without really needing it. They might just want an extra day off, not because they’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, but simply because it sounds like a good idea. It’s like using a sick day when you’re not actually sick – it kind of takes away from the whole purpose.

“To address the potential misuse of mental health days, fostering a workplace culture that encourages open conversations about mental health is crucial. This includes destigmatising mental health discussions and providing support systems for employees who may be struggling,” Dr Gupta explained.