Why you should implement mental health days at work

A recent study by Benenden Health, found that approximately 55% of UK employees are uncomfortable disclosing mental health conditions in the workplace.

This reluctance often stems from fears of stigma, discrimination, or negative impacts on career progression.

To address this issue, employers should consider implementing policies to create a more open and supportive environment that promotes mental health in the workplace.

One effective policy is introducing the option to take mental health days at work. Mental health days offer designated time for employees to recharge and manage stress.

Unlike annual leave or sick days, mental health days specifically prioritise emotional recovery and self-care, recognising the importance of mental health in overall productivity and happiness.

In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of mental health days for employee well-being, practical steps for implementing them, and how Sapphire HR can help.

The benefits of mental health days

Helps to enhance employee productivity and focus

A well-rested employee is more productive both mentally and physically.

After taking a mental break to recharge their batteries, employees are likely to return to work with a renewed sense of focus, energy, and motivation. This not only helps them approach tasks with greater clarity, but it also fosters better decision-making, increased creativity, and a noticeable improvement in performance.

Prevents burnout

Burnout is a leading cause of absenteeism, turnover, and low productivity in the workplace. The constant pressure to perform, meet deadlines, and balance personal responsibilities can push employees to their limits.

Providing mental health days offers employees an opportunity to take a break before stress becomes overwhelming. This proactive approach helps prevent burnout, and lowers the risk of exhaustion, disengagement, and other serious health concerns.

Improves employee morale and job satisfaction

When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to be positive about their jobs.

Mental health days demonstrate to employees that the company they work at respects them as individuals with needs that go beyond their job responsibilities. This sends a strong message that their well-being is a top priority, increasing job satisfaction and retention rates whilst fostering a strong, positive workplace culture.

Reduces absenteeism

Taking time off to prioritise mental health can reduce the likelihood of frequent and prolonged absences. When employees are given the opportunity to address their mental health proactively, they are less likely to reach a breaking point that requires extended time away from work.

Mental health days at work also help to address the issue of presenteeism, in which employees go to work despite feeling mentally unwell. In such cases, their performance and productivity suffer, and their overall well-being may deteriorate even more.

Employees who take mental health days can fully recover and return to work in a better state of mind, allowing them to perform at their best and contribute effectively to the team.

Promotes a healthy mental health culture in the workplace

A business that actively promotes mental health initiatives fosters an environment of trust among its employees.

Businesses that provide and encourage mental health days send a clear message that employee well-being is just as important as productivity. This proactive approach helps to normalise discussions about mental health, breaking down stigmas that might otherwise prevent people from seeking help or taking the time they need to recover.

Attracts and retains top talents

In today’s highly competitive job market, companies that prioritise employee well-being and mental health are more likely to attract top talent.

Offering mental health days is a clear and tangible demonstration of a company’s commitment to work-life balance. This is especially appealing to prospective employees, who are increasingly looking for roles with forward-thinking companies that prioritise well-being alongside professional success.

For existing employees, the availability of mental health days can serve as a powerful motivator to remain loyal to the business, lowering turnover and increasing long-term retention.

Practical steps for implementation

Introducing mental health days into your workplace requires careful planning to ensure they are effective and accessible to all.

Here are some practical steps to help implement this initiative successfully:

1. Develop a clear policy

Start by outlining the framework for mental health days. Determine key details, such as the number of days employees can take per year, whether these days will be separate from existing leave entitlements, and the eligibility requirements for using them.

Clearly communicate these guidelines via multiple channels to ensure that everyone is aware of the policy. Transparency promotes trust and demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to employee well-being.

Avoid overly complicated approval processes, such as those that require lengthy justifications or manager discretion, as they may discourage employees from using the benefit. Instead, create a streamlined process, such as accepting requests via an online portal or a simple conversation with HR or a manager.

2. Train managers and leaders

Equip managers and leadership teams with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively support mental health initiatives. Provide targeted training on recognising early signs of stress and burnout in employees, encouraging open communication, and knowing how to direct team members to appropriate resources when necessary.

Encourage managers to create a safe and supportive environment by openly discussing mental health, emphasising that taking mental health days is normal and necessary for overall well-being. Employees should always feel comfortable raising concerns or questions about the policy in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner.

3. Normalise mental health conversations

Work to break the stigma associated with mental health by creating an environment in which employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health. Include mental health in regular workplace conversations, such as team meetings or newsletters, to make it a natural topic, rather than a sensitive or avoided area of discussion.

Organise workshops or lunch-and-learn sessions to educate employees about mental health, including stress management and self-care techniques. Provide resources such as guides or posters with information on support services, making them visible and accessible to all. This reinforces the message and encourages employees to be more open when discussing their mental wellbeing.

4. Integrate with broader well-being initiatives

Mental health days should be part of a larger, more comprehensive strategy for employee wellness. This should complement existing mental health policies, resources and wellness programmes in your company.

This can include additional resources to address a variety of needs, such as access to counselling services, employee assistance programmes (EAPs), or online mental health platforms. You can also provide workshops or webinars on mindfulness, stress management, and resilience-building to equip employees with tools to manage daily challenges effectively.

Consider integrating these initiatives with physical wellness programmes, such as fitness challenges, nutrition advice, or yoga sessions, to promote a holistic approach to overall well-being.

How Sapphire HR can help

At Sapphire HR, we specialise in helping businesses design and implement comprehensive HR strategies that support employee well-being.

From developing clear mental health day policies to providing manager training and integrating wellness programmes, our team is here to help you every step of the way.

With a tailored approach that aligns with your company’s needs and culture, we ensure you have the tools and processes in place to promote a healthier, more engaged, and productive workforce.

Together, we can break down stigmas, foster a supportive environment, and create a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Get in touch with us today to discover how we can help your business take proactive steps towards a positive mental health culture in the workplace.