How to Take a Mental Health Day and Avoid Getting in Trouble With Your Employer
Taking a mental health day is a preventative health measure. It’s also a great way to relieve stress. However, many employers don’t allow employees to take a mental health day. In addition, your employer may face legal liability if you take a mental health day in violation of your company’s policy. Here are some tips for taking a mental health day and not getting in trouble with your employer.
Taking a mental health day is a preventative health measure
Taking a mental health day is a preventative health measure, not a luxury. It can help you cope with work-related stress and handle the challenges that come your way. It can also be an effective way to combat burnout and seasonal stress.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one third of US adults will be suffering from mental illness by the time June 2020 rolls around. In fact, mental health is a significant contributor to the US productivity deficit. Depression costs us $1 trillion a year. It is also the leading cause of disability. It is therefore important to treat mental health as a priority.
A mental health day is a great way to get your stress out of your system. It can also help you feel better when you return to work.
It’s still taboo to ask your boss for a mental health day
Despite the prevalence of mental health issues in the workplace, it’s still taboo to ask your boss for a mental health day. Nevertheless, taking a day off can be beneficial, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Taking a mental health day can help you reset and come back with a renewed work purpose.
Mental health days are also an opportunity to monitor your stress levels. This can help you identify patterns of stress and habits. If your work culture is welcoming, your boss may be receptive to a conversation about your mental health.
In some cases, you may be able to take a paid mental health day. In other cases, you may need to ask for a temporary assignment switch. In both situations, you should use the time to do activities that rejuvenate you.
Your employer doesn’t have a right to know the details of your condition
Depending on the nature of your mental health condition, you may not be required to disclose your illness to your employer. However, there are legal requirements you may need to follow. Keeping your illness private can help protect you from discrimination and retaliation.
If you are worried about your employer’s attitude toward your mental health, consider bringing up the issue. You may also ask your colleagues to help you discuss your condition.
You can also file a complaint with the EEOC. This is a federal agency that helps enforce workplace discrimination laws. You can use their website to make a complaint and they will investigate the case. They also have a tool to help you determine whether you should disclose your condition.
Creating a stress-free area on a mental health day
Creating a stress-free zone on a mental health day can be a great way to improve your mental health in the long term. This zone can be a room in your house or a corner of the room. It should include things that make you feel calm and happy.
If you have problems managing stress, consider talking to a mental health professional. This person can help you identify the causes of your stress and teach you new coping strategies. They can also give you advice on how to create a stress-free zone. They can also keep you up to date on new health research.
Taking a mental health day is a great way to combat stress and depression. You can also use the day to evaluate your life and make changes. This can be done by interacting with friends, trying new things, or taking a break from your daily activities.
Employers face legal liability if you take a mental health day in violation of company policy
Taking a mental health day isn’t something that you should just do on a whim. Especially if your employer doesn’t have a policy on the subject. If they do, though, you could find yourself facing legal consequences.
While taking a mental health day might seem like an obvious choice, it’s still something that’s not always talked about. In fact, the number of workers who took a day off for mental health purposes grew by more than four percent last year, and almost half lied to their bosses about it.
Employers who don’t know about their employees’ mental health may assume that they can’t perform their jobs. It’s important to remember, though, that an employer’s duty is to provide as much support for an employee’s health as possible. This might mean making accommodations for an employee’s mental health condition, such as a change in work environment or customary work practices.
