There are many reasons we ask for time off at work-when we’re sick, for family reasons or when we have travel plans. But an increasing number of employers are recognising the importance of another kind of holiday, one that’s continuing to rise in popularity.
Known as the doona day, it’s a way of taking time out to look after your mental wellbeing, while recognising that we all need a break sometimes. A mental health day or a doona day is a no questions asked, personal leave day that you can take if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or are struggling to cope with work demands. It can be a proactive step towards managing your own work-related wellbeing.
Why Now?
While the pandemic has created a lot of stress, it has simultaneously prevented many of us from going on holiday just when we needed it most. Even sick days have become few and far between, with research showing employees are more likely to try to power through if they’re working from home.
Mitch Wallis, founder of emotional wellness and early intervention service Heart on My Sleeve says its essential to put aside time for self-care. He says, “since the start of the pandemic, more than three quarters of Australian employees say they are working some form of overtime to complete set tasks. The increase in workload and not being able to do the things we usually find joy and meaning in results in an imbalance: reduced energy inflow, with the same or greater expected energy outflow. He goes on to say that it is so important for all employees to take a step back and evaluate what a healthy work life balance means to them and to communicate this with their employer to help achieve it”.
Should I be upfront?
While most of us wouldn’t think twice about taking time off for our next big trip, telling your boss that you essentially want to spend a day on the couch watching Netflix can potentially feel more awkward. Attitudes in the workplaces can vary, so its ultimately up to you how much you want to share. Deciding when and how to ask for a mental health day is a very personal choice, and it is up to the person to disclose as much as what they feel comfortable with.
While stigma around mental health does still unfortunately exist in some workplaces, we hope those barriers will soon be broken forever. If doona days are normalised, it sends a message that its ok to show you need a break sometimes, or that you’re overwhelmed by work and by taking this time you can come back more motivated and focused on your work.
If you’re worried that you’re struggling with burnout, why not create a dialogue with your employer to establish and communicate what measures and boundaries will help you achieve a more sustainable work-life balance. Using this as a starting point will help to open up the floor to more discussions with your employer or direct manager on what mental health, balance and wellbeing looks like in your workplace or worksite, especially when it comes to initiatives that can be implemented.
The Allianz Workplace Mental Health Hub is a great resource that you can use to help navigate this complex topic with confidence.