Benefits March 24, 2008

Relationship Woes Drive Many Mental Health Days

March 24, 2008 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Problems with family and relationship issues are the most likely reasons cited among the 82% of employees who admit to taking "mental health days" off work, according to a new survey.
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A news release by ComPsych, an employee assistance program provider, said its poll found 30% of those who take mental health days cite issues with family members or significant others as the reason.

Other reasons cited, according to the news release, included:

  • 20% – work stress/workload,
  • 15% – personal issues (financial, legal),
  • 12% – lack of physical energy/well being, and
  • 5% – boredom/lack of motivation.

Eighteen percent of employees surveyed reported not taking mental health days.

“With the growing complexities of family and personal life, it is not surprising that relationship and family issues top the list of reasons for checking out of work,” said Richard A. Chaifetz, chairman and CEO of ComPsych, in the news release. “Whether the employee is married, a caregiver or is facing the challenges of single life, relationship stress can be a major cause of distraction at work.”

The survey was conducted from February 8 to March 14, 2008, receiving responses from 1,036 employees of ComPsych client companies.

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