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CEO’s response to woman’s ‘mental health day’ email makes headlines

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With terms like 'burn-out' and 'panic attack' regularly bandied about in daily discourse, we've never been so aware of the importance of maintaining and caring for our mental health.

And yet, in some sectors, the idea that you would take time off work in order to tend to your mental health and emotional wellbeing would be met with criticism by some.

And that is why one CEO's response to his employee's admission that she intended to take two days off in order to focus on her mental health has been met with such positivity.

Madalyn Parker, who works as a web developer, has highlighted her boss's determination to remove the stigma surrounding mental health by sharing an email exchange which took place between them on Twitter.

Responding to Madalyn's email which outlined her decision to step away from work responsibilities in order to return to the office "refreshed and back to 100%', CEO Ben Congleton coudn't hide his admiration and respect.

"I just wanted to personally thank you for sending emails like this," Ben began in an email which has reached millions since initially sent at the end of June.

"Every time you do, I use it as a reminder of the importance of using sick days for mental health – I can't believe this is not standard practice at all organisations," he continued.

"You are an example to us all, and help cut through the stigma so we can all bring our whole selves to work."

Responding to Madalyn's upload, Twitter users highlighted the importance of Ben's understanding before revealing their own negative experiences.

"This is great!! I once called in to take a mental health day. My boss told me anxiety isn't a real illness and that I needed a doc's note," wrote one.

"I worked at a mental health facility that gave points twd being fired for any sick days taken causing the decline of ppls mental health," added another.

Commenting on this contribution to the dialogue, Ben posted a message online, saying: "Even in the safest environment it is still uncommon to be direct with your co-workers about mental health issues."

"I wanted to call this out and express gratitude for Madalyn's bravery in helping us normalise mental health as a normal health issue," he finished.

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