Should HR add 'duvet days' to employment contracts?

Are you due a ‘duvet day’? The phenomenon of employees choosing to call in sick, so they can spend the day recharging and recuperating is no new feat – but it’s now being recognized as a legitimate reason for being off work.

The rise of the ‘duvet day’ has been spurred on by employers who recognize mental health awareness in the workplace. A recent report from Time 4 Sleep found that 61% of workers have taken a ‘duvet day’ to recover from a hectic work schedule.

What’s more, HR professionals seem to have it worse than most – as HR workers were found the most likely to take time off due to stress and anxiety.

The report found that workers were so serious about their ‘duvet days’ that 65% would be more inclined to take a job with a company that has them written into employee contracts. In fact, 35% said they thought ‘duvet days’ were a great idea, with a further 36% saying they’d help with stress levels.

“It was interesting to see just how many people would be more likely to take a job based on the fact that it offered duvet days as part of its employment contract,” added Jonathan Warren, director at Time 4 Sleep.

“Looking after your mental health is so important, especially in stressful environments such as the workplace. If you think a member of your team has been a little stressed recently, the opportunity to take some time out at home might just make all the difference in helping them to feel refreshed and, in turn, more productive.”

The report also uncovered the top five perks that make a job more attractive to employees. We’ve listed them below;

• Flexible working including late starts and early finishes (62%)
• A day off for a birthday (51%)
• Free food (48%)
•  Discount to healthcare (38%)
• The opportunity to take a sabbatical (a period away from work, agreed by your employer) (32%)

Would you introduce ‘duvet days’ into your organization? Tell us in the comments…