Practice Pointer: The Positive Impact of Mental Health Days

May 15, 2025

Why You Should Encourage Your Employees to Take A Mental Health Day

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of mental health and overall well-being in our professional and personal lives. We’ve all encountered exhaustion, stress, frustration, feeling burnt out and/or feeling overwhelmed by an ever-growing list of responsibilities. Experiencing a sense of burnout is a clear sign that taking a break is essential to support and safeguard our mental well-being and prevent more serious mental health issues and challenges in the future. Employees who find themselves needing a mental health break should recognize that taking time off is a valid and necessary step toward recovery.

Enter the mental health day: a time away from daily responsibilities to recharge and prioritize our mental health needs. While many organizations are incorporating mental health days into their time-off policies, many employers remain hesitant to formally acknowledge their employees’ mental health needs as a valid reason for needing time off. However, as we all know, productive and motivated employees cannot perform their best if they are running on empty. To help lower stress, ease anxiety, and prevent burnout, employers should encourage employees to take a personal day – or even better, a dedicated mental health day – to support taking care of their well-being in the short run and sustain long-term mental health.

Why Should Mental Awareness Matter to Employers?

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we asked the Hilb Group National Health and Wellness Practice to share with us why mental health should be a priority in every workplace, and here is what they had to say: Unlike physical illness, those who suffer from mental health-related conditions often feel ashamed, embarrassed, and afraid. They may suffer in silence, feeling helpless and hesitant to seek help due to the stigma that still surrounds mental health.

Mental health issues are more common than you might think. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), one in five Americans experiences some type of mental health condition in any given year. It’s fair to say, “mental health” has become as much of a buzzword as the term “self-care.” These challenges affect every aspect of life, from relationships and self-worth to our overall well-being and how we deal with the daily functions and stress of life and can impact the following areas:

• Self-esteem and sense of purpose
• Ability to socialize with others
• Memory, focus, and problem-solving skills
• Managing stress and trouble sleeping
• Physical health, such as affecting our immune system, or causing high blood pressure
• Overall health and happiness

While taking a mental health day may provide temporary relief, it is essential to note that one mental health day may not be sufficient for all employees. Therefore, managers and supervisors should be trained to identify common signs that mental wellness is at risk, such as mood swings, severe anxiety, constantly feeling overwhelmed, heightened stress levels, or lack of focus. If an employee appears to be suffering from a serious mental health condition, bring concerns to the Human Resources department. Additionally, organizations should regularly share their Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) and consider implementing other initiatives such as wellness programs, fitness memberships, stress management training, and awareness campaigns regarding regular mental health days.

Can Employees Use Sick Time for a Mental Health Day?

We are often asked if employees can use available sick days for a mental health day. The answer is, yes. Stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges can be just as disruptive to an employee’s work performance as a physical illness—even if they are not visibly apparent. Employers in states or jurisdictions with sick leave laws should be aware that these laws include mental health as a legitimate reason for taking time off, whether in the form of a single mental health day or longer periods.

This extends to employers offering Paid Time Off (PTO), which typically covers vacation and sick days. While employers can reinforce their notification procedures for taking care of their employees’ mental health, it is highly recommended that sick time be approved for mental health reasons, including taking a mental health day. Additionally, employees are not required to disclose the specific nature of their illness; a simple “I need to take a sick day” should suffice for those who need a mental health day to cope with stress or other mental health reasons. Taking a sick day for mental health is both valid and important, and organizations should make it clear that using a sick day for emotional or psychological recovery is fully supported.

Acknowledging the importance of mental health days as legitimate and valuable time off is a fundamental component of a comprehensive employee wellness strategy. When organizations create policies that reflect compassion and flexibility—and recognize the need for an employee to take a mental break—they demonstrate their commitment to mental health awareness, holistic well-being, and a proactive approach to supporting employees.

Other Relevant Laws and Legal Rights

Employers should be aware of various regulatory considerations that may allow an employee to use available time off, including a mental health day, for mental or behavioral health needs. Additionally, mental health conditions may qualify as serious health conditions under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA leave) or state-paid family leave programs. Additionally, mental illness conditions, including substance abuse disorders, may be recognized as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), particularly when employees are managing long-term mental health issues.

Since leaves and accommodations related to mental health are nuanced and situation-specific, each case—whether it’s a request for a mental health day or a longer-term leave—should be addressed individually and in compliance with all applicable laws. Employers should also be mindful of guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regarding mental health and disability discrimination, as these regulations may impact how requests for mental health days are handled. A thoughtful, compliant approach helps foster a workplace culture that respects and supports mental awareness.

The Intent and Benefits of Taking a Mental Health Day

Taking a mental health day off work serves as a valuable tool to alleviate stress and support overall well-being. While how people choose to spend this time varies, the goal is consistent: to take a much-needed break that allows for rest, emotional reset, and mental clarity. Whether it’s an hour or a full day, stepping away from daily responsibilities can help recharge your mind and body. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), engaging in small but meaningful activities during your mental health day off work can make a big difference. Here are several simple, effective strategies:

• Get regular exercise — Whether it’s running, dancing, or yoga class, movement can alleviate stress and boost your mood
• Tap into creativity — Try painting, gardening, or baking to shift focus and calm the mind
• Spend time outdoors — Go for a hike, visit the beach, or enjoy a walk to reconnect with nature
• Make sleep a priority — Catching up on rest and getting some much-needed sleep is often the most effective way to reset
• Practice deep breathing — Simple deep breathing exercises can quickly calm your nervous system and reduce stress and anxiety
• Stay connected — Spend time with friends or family members for emotional support and connection
• Set goals and reflect — Use the time to revisit your priorities and personal goals
• Eat healthy and hydrate — Fuel your body with nutritious meals and plenty of water
• Practice gratitude — Focus on what you’re thankful for to shift your mindset
• Seek professional help — Consult a mental health professional or doctor if you’re struggling

Benefits of Taking a Mental Health Day

The negative impact of poor mental well-being in the workplace can be both financial and non-financial, leading to lost productivity, decreased engagement, and a strained workplace culture. Issues such as increased absenteeism, lower morale, and higher turnover rates are some potential consequences of neglecting mental health and failing to address mental health issues.

While the primary goal of taking a mental health day is personal restoration, allowing employees to step away from their responsibilities—even briefly—can offer lasting advantages. Some of the key benefits of employees taking a mental health day off from work for self-care include:

• Reducing stress and providing mental clarity
• Returning to work feeling re-centered, re-charged, and ready to focus
• Enhancing mood, morale, and overall attitude
• Addressing minor stressors
• Alleviating negative thoughts or anxiety
• Improving productivity and efficiency upon returning to work
• Preventing mental health burnout or worsening mental health
• Supporting long-term emotional resilience and better mental health outcomes

Allowing time to rest and recharge in the form of a mental health day or longer periods of time is not just about individual well-being—it reinforces a culture that values mental health and supports the health of the entire organization.

Creating a Culture of Support

Although mental health challenges are not always visible, they are prevalent in every workplace. Employees may feel hesitant to come forward due to the stigma that often surrounds mental health and mental health issues—even when they’re clearly feeling burnt out—and may be reluctant to request a much-needed mental health day. For this reason, it is imperative for employers to create a supportive and open environment for those who may be struggling. A valuable and effective way to address this need is by fostering a culture in which taking a mental health day to manage stress is both permitted and actively encouraged.

Ultimately, the success of an organization is a reflection of the well-being of its people. Prioritizing mental health is not just crucial for long-term success but also fundamental to fostering employee wellness. In fact, making mental health a priority should be a no brainer for any organization that seeks to create a supportive and productive work environment. The positive impact of a mental health day cannot be denied.