Six Questions About Taking Stress Leave
The option to opt out of work for a while, even if available, might come with a high price tag.
Polls show 3 out of 4 Canadians are stressed. No shock there. Job uncertainty, money worries, health issues. They’re the biggest blood pressure raisers. Can make you want to chuck it all for a while.
PGA golfers ain’t immune. Don’t let the lavish prize money fool you. With crushing expectations and public glare, even leaderboarders flee on a Tiger Woods time-out occasionally.
Should you go on stress leave if life becomes a sand trap? Before taking that mulligan, know the obstacles.
Q1: Is Stress Leave Even A Thing In Canada?
Answer: Not really. You'd be hard pressed to find an official policy. Time off for stress-related issues is generally considered a health matter. This falls under "sick leave" in the Canada Labour Code.
Q2: What If I Only Need A Few Days Off To Straighten My Putter?
Answer: Take a "mental health day." It’s code for (unofficial) short-term stress leave. A day or two off might be enough. Try to catch your breath and regain calm. Maybe reflect a bit on how to de-stress.
Just use some remaining sick days or vacation entitlement. No legal requirement to reveal you’re off for strain.
Q3: How About If I Need Weeks, Months Or Longer?
Answer: If you’ve worked at least three months in a row with the same employer, you’re entitled to sick leave protection. They can’t legally terminate you for legit medical absence.
Also can't suspend, demote, or discipline you if off for illness or injury. Usually, the max is 17 weeks – about the time it takes, it takes to prep for a PGA Championship. You’re gonna need a medical certificate though.
Q4: Do I Still Get Paid?
Answer: Depends. Can you prove your stress is a workplace-related illness or injury? No cinch, given lots of factors could contribute.
The employer may have its own policies for short term and long term disability (STD and LTD) compensation. You might try to squeeze some cash from E.I. if qualified.
Q5:Besides Bucks, Why Wouldn’t I Take Longer Leave?
Answer: Thing about stretched sick leaves is you’re like Rory Mcllroy or Ariya Jutanugarn on hole 18. Your every move’s scrutinized.
The employer can ask your physician for some details. And in some cases could demand an independent medical exam. Either way, it might reveal you're on stress leave. The only thing you’ll sink in a cup is a mandatory sample.
Q6: I Can't Afford Time Off. What Now?
Maybe you’re out of sick days and vacation. Or don't want to say you're struggling. But gale-force stress is against you.
There’s a couple of approaches to the green. First, look for ways to manage the pressures in your job. Also use the company’s free, confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if available.
Try finding a less nerve-wracking position at work as well. Or you could disclose your difficulties to management or HR to shoot for some temporary relief.
Finally, look for a new job elsewhere. Maybe not at Bellerive Country Club, St. Louis, the PGA Championship home in 2018. There’ll be tension aplenty there. Drive for something that puts fewer bogeys on your scorecard.
This article provides general information and is not intended as legal advice.
Find a Job You Feel Good About
At Monster we know it's crucial to find an employer that fits with your values as this reduces workplace stress. If you need a change, sign up for a free Monster profile today and start searching for a supportive boss and a job that you want to get up for. Set up custom alerts to receive new job listings right to your inbox, upload your resume to attract recruiters looking for talent like you, and benefit from our array of career advice articles.