OMAHA, Neb.–A new survey offers some insights into the number of American workers who said they have taken “mental health days” off from work over the past year.
The survey was conducted by Breeze, a provider of disability insurance, in conjunction with Mental Health Month during May.
Among the key findings:
- 63% of employees have taken a Mental Health Day in the last year, including 68% of those ages 35-44 and 47% of those over the age of 54
- 78% said their Mental Health Day had a “positive impact” on their job performance
- Despite the above, 44% told a white lie to their employer about why they needed the day off (i.e. sudden illness, doctor's appointment), while 56% said the day off was for their mental health
- Of those who lied, 61% believe their employer would have not let them take the day off or reacted negatively if they knew it was for mental health
- Among those who haven't taken a Mental Health Day in the last year, most said they're too afraid to ask their employer for a Mental Health Day specifically
- 58% of employees believe remote work has made it tougher to justify asking for Mental Health Days
‘Struggles on the Rise’
“Unfortunately, mental health struggles are on the rise in the US, and this is strongly correlated to work,” the company said in releasing the findings. “Harvard Business Review found 84% of employees reported their workplace negatively impacts their mental health, while 50% left their jobs in 2021 due to mental health reasons (including 68% of Millennials and 81% of Gen Zers).
That same HBR study found 91% of employees believe a company should support mental health. Up from 37% in 2019, 47% said their company leaders were advocates for mental health at work. This was correlated to higher job satisfaction and performance, the company added.
For the full report, which includes far more detail, go here.
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