Can we take mental health days off?
Why does taking time off for your mental health so difficult?
After all, the need to normalise taking official breaks for mental wellness has been highlighted on a global scale by experts and thought leaders.
The Lancet Global Health’s estimated cost of approximately $2·5 trillion per year to our world economy from poor health and reduced productivity produces a strong economic case for urgent change — especially when this number is projected to rise to $6 trillion by 2030.
As for all organisational culture shifts, change will take time.
While conversations about mental health are far from being the norm, there is observable progress on an organisational level in addressing workplace mental wellness. More companies offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) and the occasional talk on mental health and wellness.
But these efforts need to come with the same progress from leadership. Without buy-at the very top, the kind of time and resources needed for real and sustainable change to take place will not be available for management or lower-entry employees. An environment that does not give space for vulnerability will also lose opportunities for the right conversations to happen.
Having clear evidence of mental health’s direct bottom-line impact offers a step forward for those looking for solutions.
Another possibility is for organisations to look at this investment as one part of a larger effort to foster an organisational culture of psychological safety — one where employees feel free to speak up, have conversations, and take chances. There is substantial research to reflect the benefits of such a culture, whether be it better performance and engagement or employee retention.
Leaders that understand the need for a workforce that is resilient and emotionally intelligent will do well to start from looking at the mental health of the systems they lead, as well as that of themselves.
What can an employee do?
There’s a long way ahead to make mental health stigma a thing of the past.
While it may seem impossible to leave much impact in a system as an individual, the steps you take will have ripple effects that accumulate.
Whether be it opening up conversations with your colleagues or petitioning for mental health to be put on higher priority at work, do not forget the agency you have when you own your voice.
And if you’re uncomfortable taking time off, question why. Is it simply a result of the environment you’re working in, or a reflection of more? What role does work play in your life and in the way you construct your identity?
Do remember that we take days off when we cannot show up in your full capacity.
By that definition, this includes your health and wellbeing not just physically, but also emotionally and mentally. Acknowledging the need for you to step away respects your needs as a human being – and opens up the space for others to do so too.
Take courage in being vulnerable, and in reaching out to colleagues. The common human condition we share is more important than what separates us. Nurturing that common ground can create opportunity and hope for all.
