Need a rest from the daily grind? You’re not alone. Here’s how to take the day off to rest, recharge, and do what you love.
Workplace Stress Is Multi-Generational
Gen Z, the newest generation to enter the ever-demanding workforce, is actively looking for ways to rest and combat stress outside of work. According to a 2022 survey by Talent LMS and BambooHR, 82% of Gen Z employees want mental health days included in their work benefits package. Additionally, lack of work-life balance and burnout is a critical reason why this generation of employees would quit their jobs.
According to another survey, Gen Z isn’t the only generation feeling the heat in the workplace. The survey found that baby boomers are the most likely to feel that mental health days are “absolutely necessary.” This suggests that the desire for an occasional break to rest spans across multiple generations.
Despite taking mental health days, employee stress remains at an all-time high. As reported by Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2023 Report, workplace stress is still at a record high level, with 44% of employees reporting they experienced, “a lot of stress,” the previous day.
The Importance Of Mental Health Days
Giving up time to rest and recharge ultimately hinders workplace performance and sacrifices mental health. And just because an employee works without breaks, it doesn’t mean they’re necessarily productive.
Leah Weiss, Ph.D. and author of “How We Work,” says, “It’s important to have opportunities to rest and reflect and recharge.”
She continues, “Our bodies and minds are not meant to push constantly — even elite athletes need to have rest as part of the process of becoming stronger.”
Katherine Nelson, an instructor in the human resource management department at Temple University, has a special view on the much-overlooked mental health day.
“You’re not doing anybody any favors if you give up your mental health for a job,” Nelson explains, “The healthiest people are the ones who take time for themselves and their families.”
How To Plan A Mental Health Day
- Look at your calendar and choose mental health days in advance. If there’s a day on your calendar you know is less busy, plan ahead and you’ll be more likely to stick with your commitment.
- Create your ideal mental health day agenda. Don’t make your agenda a to-do list though. Instead, plan something exciting you won’t want to give up. Make plans with friends, spend time outdoors, or book a relaxing spa day.
- Don’t stress about missing work and trust your team. Fortunately, the world won’t end if you take a day off. If something comes up at work, give your team options ahead of time to find a workaround.
Just one day off of work can be a great way to allow yourself to slow down and enjoy life. When you’re feeling physically and emotionally depleted, it’s time to schedule a mental health day. In the long run, your mind will thank you.
