More people are taking ‘health and well-being’ breaks — and disclosing them to employers
Bobbi Bain, a former employee at American Airlines, faced a heartbreaking situation when her son passed away. Unfortunately, she wasn’t eligible for unpaid family leave due to her relatively short tenure at the company. Consequently, she made the difficult decision to quit her job, navigating through an immeasurable personal loss.
Recalling her departure, Bain admitted that she barely recollects the two-week notice period. It took her about six months to recover from the traumatic experience, during which she dedicated her time to caring for a sick family member. Just as she started finding solace and regained her balance, the COVID-19 pandemic worsened, resulting in a scarcity of employment opportunities.
When the airlines started hiring again, I began applying for jobs, but almost everyone asked, ‘What have you been doing?’ Bain admitted. Faced with these inquiries, she found herself unsure of how to answer, given the significant gap in her resume caused by the personal challenges she had encountered.
Bain’s story reflects a growing trend of individuals taking extended breaks from work to prioritize their health and well-being. While these breaks have become more common, there is often a stigma attached to extended periods of unemployment, even when they are rooted in personal circumstances. However, a recent surge in awareness and openness surrounding mental health has led more individuals to disclose their reasons for absence to their employers.
Workers are now recognizing the importance of caring for their mental and emotional well-being, and some employers are responding positively to this trend by implementing supportive policies. Many companies now provide mental health days or ‘well-being breaks’ to their employees, acknowledging the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Employees no longer need to conceal their personal challenges or apologize for prioritizing their mental health.
Lindsey Bellwood, a human resources manager at a multinational tech corporation, believes that promoting a culture of transparency and understanding is crucial for both employers and employees. By encouraging open conversations about mental health and well-being, we create an environment that benefits everyone. Employees feel supported, and employers gain loyal and productive team members, she stated.
Although the attitude towards health and well-being breaks has shown positive progress, there remains work to be done to combat the pervasive stigma around extended absences. Professionals re-entering the workforce after a significant gap often face challenges in reassuring potential employers about their skills and commitment. This is particularly true for individuals who took time off to care for a family member or experienced personal traumas.
Despite these hurdles, more and more individuals are realizing the importance of their mental health, and employers are beginning to acknowledge the value in supporting their employees’ overall well-being. This shift in attitude not only benefits the individuals who require time off to heal and recharge but also contributes to a healthier and more compassionate work environment.
The story of Bobbi Bain serves as a powerful reminder that life’s challenges can affect anyone at any time. By embracing the growing trend of open discussion around health and well-being breaks and by providing supportive policies, employers have the opportunity to foster a more inclusive and empathetic workplace. It is time to recognize that individuals need time to heal and restore their well-being, ultimately leading to happier, more engaged, and more productive employees.
