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CCH® HR MANAGEMENT - 4/15/08

Survey shows more employees take "mental health days" for family issues than for work stress

Eighty-two percent of employees admit to taking "mental health days" to recover or recharge, and almost one-third said family and relationship issues are the most likely cause, according to a recent ComPsych Tell It Now(SM) poll. "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 Dr. Richard A. Chaifetz, chairman and CEO of ComPsych. "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."

ComPsych asked employees: What would most likely cause you to take a "mental health day" (unplanned day off to recover or recharge)? Thirty percent said family/relationship issues, while 20 percent said work stress/workload and 15 percent said personal issues (financial, legal, other). In addition, 12 percent said lack of physical energy/well being and five percent said boredom/lack of motivation. The remaining 18 percent reported not taking mental health days.

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