Well-known companies rely on zero-bock days for stressed employees

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For more well-being

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No desire to work is considered a valid reason to take time off in some companies. (Symbolic image) Getty Images

Friday, 10/11/2024, 08:31

More and more companies are offering zero-bock days. Employees can take spontaneous time off when they feel unmotivated or stressed.

More and more companies are offering their employees the option to take so-called zero-motivation days. These days allow employees, according to RTL, to take time off at short notice when they feel unmotivated, stressed, or unfocused.

According to an evaluation by the British consulting firm MTD Training, well-known companies such as LinkedIn, Google, Microsoft, and Nike have already adopted this model.

RTL reports that the concept became known through social media and the increased awareness of mental health. "These days provide a much-needed break," explains MTD chief Sean McPheat. German companies like Einhorn also offer these days. Markus Wörner from Einhorn emphasizes to RTL that trust in employees is fundamental: "Simply introducing a no-bother day alone is not enough."

According to RTL, the pandemic has increased awareness of mental health. McPheat sees long-term benefits: "Zero-boredom days can increase a company's productivity because employees are more focused and energetic at work."

RTL emphasizes that the concept has been successfully applied at Einhorn for eight years and that employees use it less often than assumed.

Sick reports in Germany have reached a new record. According to AOK Federal Association, there were about 225 illness cases per 100 insured from January to August 2024.

Respiratory diseases are the focus and are the most common cause of sick leave.

Link
https://www.focus.de/finanzen/karriere/null-bock-tage-fuer-gestresste-angestellte-bekannte-unternehmen-machen-mit_65b7064c-6c11-4e04-9eae-cdcf0e791bc1.html
Summary
An increasing number of companies are introducing 'Null-Bock-Tage' or 'no-motivation days,' allowing employees to take spontaneous leave when feeling unmotivated, stressed, or unfocused. Major firms like LinkedIn, Google, Microsoft, and Nike have adopted this model, which has gained traction due to social media and heightened awareness of mental health. Sean McPheat, head of MTD Training, emphasizes that these days provide a much-needed break, while Markus Wörner from Einhorn highlights the importance of trust in employees for the concept to be effective. The COVID-19 pandemic has further raised awareness about mental health issues, with McPheat noting that these days can enhance productivity as employees return more focused and energized. Einhorn has successfully implemented this policy for eight years, with employees utilizing it less frequently than expected. Meanwhile, Germany has seen a record number of sick leave cases, with respiratory illnesses being the leading cause, according to the AOK-Bundesverband, which reported approximately 225 cases per 100 insured individuals from January to August 2024.