Many companies now use the term mental health day to refer to a day where employees do not come to work due to their mental health issues. However, this term is not used to describe a desire to skip work.
Being exposed to a stressful work environment can severely affect one’s ability to perform their duties. Other factors such as the presence of mental illnesses can also contribute to the decline of mental health. Even if one has a mental health condition, it’s not yet clear if he or she should take time off from work to care for it.
In the UK, it’s not necessary for people to have a mental health day. However, many individuals may choose to take advantage of it if they encounter certain life events that can be challenging.
Although it’s not ideal to have a mental health day every day, it’s important to recognize that it’s a day that can help people reset their thoughts and behavior.
There is a growing movement to remove the stigma attached to mental health issues in the work place. Through this initiative, companies are urged to take a more active
role in recognizing issues that can be related to mental health. Unfortunately, many workers are not comfortable sharing their mental health with co-workers.