Recently, a nasty cold went around my office and people were staying home a lot. I also needed a day off, but I didn't have the cold -- so I made a point of saying I was taking a "mental health day" and would not be online or responding to messages that day. I wanted people to know that the reason I was staying home was not physical, but that it was just as valid. When I returned to work, I saw that someone had @'d me on Slack and another person interceded to let them know that I wasn't online that day -- standing up for me, which was great.
On the one hand, I totally agree with you about moving "away from a cultural norm of talking about why they're staying home." On the other hand, I wonder if there isn't an opportunity to teach people that there are more than just physical reasons for taking a day off, that are just as urgent/important. What do you think?
P.S. 100% agree about open offices. Privacy is important!
Ooh, that's a good point. I definitely want to work to destigmatize mental and other invisible illnesses, but at least in the United States it's actually illegal to require disclosure of health issues under the ADA, but people sometimes don't realize that or follow it. I think it definitely depends on how supportive your office is, and what message you want to send. I think both are valid choices.
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Recently, a nasty cold went around my office and people were staying home a lot. I also needed a day off, but I didn't have the cold -- so I made a point of saying I was taking a "mental health day" and would not be online or responding to messages that day. I wanted people to know that the reason I was staying home was not physical, but that it was just as valid. When I returned to work, I saw that someone had @'d me on Slack and another person interceded to let them know that I wasn't online that day -- standing up for me, which was great.
On the one hand, I totally agree with you about moving "away from a cultural norm of talking about why they're staying home." On the other hand, I wonder if there isn't an opportunity to teach people that there are more than just physical reasons for taking a day off, that are just as urgent/important. What do you think?
P.S. 100% agree about open offices. Privacy is important!
Ooh, that's a good point. I definitely want to work to destigmatize mental and other invisible illnesses, but at least in the United States it's actually illegal to require disclosure of health issues under the ADA, but people sometimes don't realize that or follow it. I think it definitely depends on how supportive your office is, and what message you want to send. I think both are valid choices.