Asking Eric: Mandatory mental health days stress employee

A reader responding to “Asking Eric” says a company’s annual “mental health day” is actually adding stress because it forces employees to spend a full workday together discussing work. The writer, who works 40 hours a week with coworkers, argues that one day off could otherwise be used for family time, housework, or a real break, and says the requirement feels like compulsory bonding rather than mental-health support. Eric replies that the intention may be to improve workforce functioning, but without a defined mental-health focus (such as stress feedback or skills sessions), the benefit is unclear. He also advises discussing intentions and accommodations if it’s job-required.