Mental health days are believed to reduce absenteeism and presenteeism, which is a reduction in productivity or other negative consequences resulting from a pressure to work.
There is evidence in the United States that inadequate managerial support for mental illnesses and negative moods has led to increased absenteeism, morbidity, and an estimated US$300 billion yearly loss as a result of workplace stress.
According to a 2016 study among nurses, approximately 54% of the 5041 respondents reported taking mental health days as a form of sickness absence over the previous 12 months, with many citing experiences of workplace abuse.
The study also found that nurses who took these mental health days were more likely to plan on leaving their current job within the next year.
[8] Since casual workers in Australia do not receive sick leave, this means they are not able through the Fair Work Act 2009 to have a mental health day, however negotiation with employers is possible.