‘Calling in Healthy’: 6 Reasons This Is a Cool Trend for HR

It’s time to curb calling in sick and start calling in healthy.

That’s right … “Calling in healthy.”

It’s a cool trend that’s healthy and fruitful for employees and companies. And it could be coming your way more this year.

Calling in healthy is a way for employees — and you HR pros, too — to stay ahead of burnout and potential physical illnesses.

What is ‘Calling in Healthy’?

The calling in healthy concept encourages employees to use paid time off (PTO) to recharge, prioritize their well-being and come back to work more energized and focused. It’s the opposite of taking time off when they’re already burned out.

And it’s important because almost 45% of employees say they feel burned out at work, according to SHRM’s Employee Mental Health Research Series. Another 45% feel “emotionally drained” from their work, and 51% feel “used up” at the end of the workday.

Ouch!

“If you consider how many workers are feeling burned out and the direct and indirect effects burnout has on an organization, it should really raise a red flag to organizational leaders,” says Daroon Jalil, a senior researcher at SHRM who led the mental health research initiative.

That’s where calling in healthy comes in. If employees take time to unwind before they’re too twisted, they’ll save themselves from undue stress, which can save the company from disengagement and lost productivity.

Employees just need to know it’s OK to take care of their mental well-being and the best ways do that.

Benefits of Calling in Healthy

Experts at Instant Offices say calling in healthy is not slacking off. Instead, they call it “an investment in your life, family and long-term energy levels.”

They compiled these top six benefits of calling in healthy:  

1. Boost mental clarity: Regular breaks help reduce stress, improve focus and prevent decision fatigue. Ideally, a calling-in-healthy day (or days) is a full break from work. That means not checking email or LinkedIn.
2. Improve physical health: Any deliberate time off can help reduce chronic stress, which is linked to health issues like high blood pressure, poor sleep and fatigue. 
3. Strengthen relationships: Researchers find that spending quality time with loved ones nurtures emotional connections and personal fulfillment. When those are in check outside of work, employees are better equipped to handle stress and setbacks at work.  
4. Enhance creativity: A change of scenery and mindset can help inspire fresh ideas and innovation — something that contributes to better work. 
5. Increase productivity: Well-rested employees return to work with renewed energy and motivation to get their work done well.
6. Renew commitment to the company: Employees who are made to feel comfortable taking time off to manage their well-being are more engaged at work and loyal to their employers.

5 Tips to Make Calling in Healthy Work

Of course, calling in healthy can be easier said than done. Many employees — and especially your front-line managers — struggle to completely detach from work. They often have the mindset that they need to be active so the work gets done their way. Or they might get more stressed thinking about work piling up when they’re gone.

To help employees fully  disconnect, share these tips to make calling in healthy work:

• Plan ahead: Let colleagues know in advance that you’ll be off, and delegate work to ensure a smooth workflow during your absence. 
• Set boundaries: Turn off notifications and create an out-of-office response for emails. 
• Disconnect digitally: Use your time off to reduce screen time and reconnect with offline activities.
• Prioritize restorative activities: Engage in hobbies, exercise or relaxation techniques that replenish your energy.
• Reflect on your needs: Use the break to assess your goals, priorities and what truly makes you feel rejuvenated in your personal and professional lives.