Employers, Schools Changing “Mental Health” Policy

Schools and employers are taking a step in the right direction by implementing “mental health days.”

A new Illinois law will allow students to take up to 5 mental health days starting in 2022 and companies like Nike, Intel, Microsoft, Marriott International and others are allowing these days off for mental health because “burnout” is causing depression or anxiety in the workplace, which is impacting performance.

Initiatives that improve mental health include remote working from home, a hybrid option of in-office and at home, increased allowance time for exercise or child care hours. All of these can help relieve repetitive mental health strain and lead to a healthier school and work environment.

One of the positive outcomes of the pandemic is that society has recognized the importance of prioritizing mental health, but pushing through mental strain at work isn’t just “business as usual” anymore.

But it’s not just mental - studies have shown that working 55 or more hours per week is associated with a higher risk of a stroke and dying from heart disease than just 35-40 hours a week.