The answer, in short, is yes. Though many see staying home if you're contagious as being both good for the company, your co-workers, and your own wellbeing, there's actually a very good case for encouraging employees to take a day or two for their mental health for similar reasons.
You can call in sick for any mental health reason, diagnosed or not, including: anxiety disorders.
Yes, a mental health day counts like a 'sick day'. Whether it be unpaid or paid leave, you have a right to be absent from work if you are unwell. All full-time workers have a right to take 10 personal leave (also known as sick leave) days per year under the National Employment Standards.
As an employer, you should ensure that your employees feel safe at work and comfortable in taking mental health days off work if required. Equally, as an employee, you should feel comfortable approaching your employer to request a mental health day off. Whatever work you do, it can be stressful.
If you feel comfortable, explain to your employer that you need to take a day off due to your mental health so you can look after yourself and return to work in a more productive state. Example: "I've been having a tough week, and it feels like my struggle has peaked today.
Talking about your mental health doesn't need to be scary or over-complicated, you can start the conversation by simply saying, “I need to get something off my chest” or “I need to talk, do you have time to listen?” Just remember to tell your boss only what is necessary.
No. It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against you simply because you have a mental health condition. This includes firing you, rejecting you for a job or promotion, or forcing you to take leave.
Employees diagnosed with major depression are permitted to take time off work to get treatment and recover from depression. In addition to being protected by the ADA, employees are also protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
If you wake up and feel especially stressed, down, or anxious — at a level that impairs your functioning — it's time to consider taking the day off. Of course, sometimes you just feel unexplainably “off.” It's OK to take the day to yourself then, too. Use your personal judgement and listen to your mind and body.
If you're feeling burned out, it could be time to ask your boss for a mental health day. It's important to remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so asking for a mental health day doesn't have to be any different than asking for a regular sick day.
Can sick leave be denied? Your employer cannot stop you taking sick leave, however if you do not comply with their requirements for reporting this then you could be breaching the terms of your employment contract. This could result in a disciplinary procedure against you.
The Fair Work Act protects employees who are dealing with mental health problems from unlawful workplace discrimination. This is when an employer takes adverse action against the employee on the basis of his or her mental health problem or disability. Adverse action includes: dismissing an employee.
Why do we feel guilty about needing time off? "The feeling of guilt we experience in these situations is because we are conditioned as a society to view doing anything to prioritise our own well-being as selfish," suggests Brummell.
In most cases, your boss is thinking more about how they're affected, or how your absence affects the business overall. Calling in sick is never easy, whether you're running a company or just starting your career. You likely feel that being out, even for one day, will mean letting someone down.
According to one Winnipeg psychologist, this anxiety to call in sick is likely related to social anxiety. “Many people who experience this may likely also experience other fears of letting people down or confrontation or general fear of negative evaluation,” said director of Clinic Psychology Manitoba Dr.
One of the things that can hold people back from taking time off to care for their mental health is the perception that stress, feeling run down, sadness or anxiety aren't good enough reasons to take time off. It's best to quickly dismiss that idea.
Yes. Assuming that you work for a covered employer and are eligible for FMLA leave, you may take leave if you are unable to work due to a serious health condition under the FMLA.
It's important for employees to take mental health leave because it can improve their health and well-being while maintaining a work-life balance. Taking time off for your mental well-being can help you reduce feelings of burnout in the workplace.
Leave for the Employee's Mental Health Condition
An eligible employee may take up to 12 workweeks of leave for their own serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform their essential job duties. Example: Karen is occasionally unable to work due to severe anxiety.
Employers grant stress leave in the same way they would grant personal leave for other illnesses (for example, usually through HR in larger businesses). Under Australia's National Employment Standards, permanent employees are entitled to 1 hour of personal leave for every 26 hours worked.
"If you're not in a supportive environment, if you do disclose a mental health problem it can be really harmful to you." Despite the stigma, she says employers are legally required to protect the health and safety of those at work - and this includes mental health problem if it affects a person's day-to-day life.
Sometimes you need to take a break
If therapy isn't enough, it might help to take time off from work. It could be anywhere from one day to several months, but taking time to process, rest, heal and seek proper treatment can make all the difference.