Access to mental health days

Access to mental health days allows employees to take time off from work when they are experiencing health challenges—whether physical, mental, or emotional—that may affect their ability to perform their job. For individuals living with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or health issues, this accommodation provides a vital support mechanism that enables them to focus on their recovery and well-being without fear of stigma or job insecurity.

Health days are important because they:

• Support recovery: Employees managing a range of health conditions—such as chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, mental health challenges, or acute illnesses—may need time away from work to rest, receive treatment, or adjust to new medication or therapies. Access to health days helps them return to work healthier and more capable of performing their duties.
• Reduce stigma: Incorporating health days into workplace policy helps normalise the need for time off to manage all health conditions, including invisible or less understood disabilities. This contributes to a more inclusive, compassionate, and stigma-free workplace culture.
• Prevent burnout and health decline: Allowing time off to manage health proactively helps prevent worsening of conditions due to overwork or stress, reducing the risk of long-term absences or more serious medical issues.
• Encourage self-care: Employees are empowered to take responsibility for their health, seek medical care, attend appointments, and take preventive actions. This leads to improved performance, satisfaction, and overall well-being when they return to work.

This accommodation can be a key component of a comprehensive employee wellness strategy and should align with workplace policies that support diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. It ensures the needs of employees with a broad range of health conditions are respected and supported.

Providing employees with access to health days is a vital adjustment that promotes equity in the workplace. It allows individuals with health challenges to manage their well-being, fulfil their professional responsibilities more effectively, and remain engaged in the workforce without fear of discrimination or reprisal.

Employers are encouraged to integrate flexible health leave policies, including health days, into their workplace practices. Resources and support through programs like the NDIS (for eligible employees), Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and government health initiatives can assist in facilitating these accommodations and supporting the overall health of the workforce.