Why Should Mental Health Days Be Implemented in Your Organisation
Let’s face it: Before mental health awareness was boldly advocated, sick leave, bereavement leave, or maternity leave were common benefits employers could offer job seekers as part of their benefits and compensation package but mental health has long been overlooked. As a business leader, it’s imperative to actively monitor, understand, and check in on your employees’ mental health and embrace the age we live in where mental health challenges are normalised. You need to step into your employees’ shoes; whenever they are not okay mentally, they can’t call in sick since taking leave whenever they are feeling low or facing mental health challenges is not normalised.
As a business leader, it’s essential to be in tune with your workforce’s needs and be a mental health champion since it can help them raise their game at work, leading to enhanced productivity and team camaraderie. If mental health days are not yet a part of your organisation’s employment benefits, you should add them sooner, and in this article, you’ll know why.
They Improve Employee Wellness

Here’s a scenario why mental health days should be incorporated within your business’s health and safety policies. For example, an employee who doesn’t have the right headspace for work, since they are consumed by anxiety, fear, or mood disorders, can greatly affect their productivity. They may be physically present at work but their mind is elsewhere. If that employee opts for a mental health day, they then have the chance to take care of themselves, connect with a mental health professional, and apply coping strategies to help them.
Another reason why mental health days are important for employees is that they improve their wellness since they have the chance to do the things that will help them ease their daily stress in the workplace. They have a chance to get more sleep, engage with their community, which means fewer sick leave requests, and they will also appreciate working for your company since it shows that the management cares about their well-being.
A study by the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand found that employees who took mental health days reported lower stress levels and higher job satisfaction.
They Increase Productivity

Mental health days give your employees a chance to exercise professional and personal balance; it also makes them more creative and eager to contribute to the team. A study by Victoria University of Wellington found that mental health breaks could lead to increased problem-solving skills and creative thinking. Your employees will be your fierce advocates for your brand, especially if they know they are in good hands. Mental health days are a great opportunity for employees who are hardworking and forget to pause.
A Southern Cross Health Society poll found that 76% of workers in New Zealand said that having access to mental health services increased their productivity at work. While a survey by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research indicated that 68% of employees felt that mental health initiatives improved their performance.
They Decrease Work Absenteeism

It never hurts to take a day or two to practice mental health care, as it reduces the chances of employees taking frequent absences because of stress-related issues. Employers should pay special attention to their employees’ welfare by checking if their workload is causing them anxiety or affecting their behaviour towards the workplace. The more disgruntled an employee, the more likely they are to be absent from work and seek new employment. However, a nourished and acknowledged employee will always be present for work.
Research published in the New Zealand Medical Journal showed that companies with mental health support policies experienced a decrease in absenteeism rates. A study by Deloitte highlighted that 61% of New Zealand employees are more likely to stay with an employer that offers mental health support.
They Create an Inclusive Work Environment

Mental health days play a crucial role in creating a supportive and positive work culture. According to the Mental Health Foundation, 82% of New Zealand workers feel that mental health support helps build a more inclusive and encouraging workplace. When employees have access to mental health days, they feel valued and supported, leading to higher overall engagement. A Gallup survey found that employees in New Zealand with mental health resources were 30% more engaged in their work.
Conclusion:
It’s not just the employees that can benefit from taking a mental health day off, but also you as a business leader. You need to practise what you preach, and at the same time, running a business is not an easy feat; it can bring you a lot of stress and mental distress, which is why you can also take one for yourself too.
Mental health days as part of your workplace culture show that as a founder you’re willing to embrace inclusivity, innovation, and your team. There are many positive reasons why you should implement mental health days at work since it can improve your employees’ welfare, decrease absenteeism, strengthen employee engagement, and increase productivity levels.