Boss’ viral response to mental health day request circulated

Madalyn Parker sought a brief hiatus from work, not for a vacation or due to illness like the flu, but to prioritize her mental well-being. Living with depression, Parker emphasized the critical need to manage her mental health just as one would address a physical ailment like a broken hand that affects productivity.

In an email to her colleagues, Parker candidly explained her reason for taking time off, expressing hope to return refreshed and fully operational the following week. Her openness resonated profoundly when her CEO, Ben Congleton, responded personally, thanking her for her transparency. He praised her for highlighting the importance of using sick days for mental health, a practice he believed should be standard across all organizations.

Moved by Congleton’s supportive reply, Parker shared the email exchange on Twitter in June 2017, where it quickly gained viral traction, amassing thousands of likes and retweets. The overwhelming positive response surprised Parker, who appreciated the warm reception amidst the usual online discourse.

Some respondents expressed hope inspired by Parker’s story, seeing it as a beacon for bringing one’s authentic self to the workplace. Others questioned the distinction between sick leave and vacation time, prompting Parker to clarify that while she took a month off for intensive mental health treatment under sick leave, the need for vacation to unwind and recharge remained a separate need.

The CEO’s understanding stance on mental health in the workplace was particularly lauded, given ongoing stigma and fears about appearing weak or less committed at work. Congleton further underscored his support in a Medium blog post, advocating for prioritizing paid sick leave and destigmatizing mental health issues in professional settings.

Congleton’s analogy likened mental health to physical injuries in sports, asserting the need for rest and recovery without judgment. His advocacy struck a chord in a knowledge-driven economy where peak mental performance is crucial.

Overall, Parker’s experience highlighted the evolving discourse around mental health in workplaces, urging leaders to foster environments where employees feel safe to address their mental well-being without repercussion.

Re-reported from the article originally posted in up worthy.