Does therapy during the workday get in the way of productivity?

Since the pandemic pushed virtual health appointments and work-from-home into the mainstream, it's never been easier for employees to see their therapists during the workday. Yet, it still comes with a host of challenges.

Nearly 22% of adults in the U.S. received mental health treatment in 2021, a 2% jump from 2019, according to the CDC. As mental health help becomes further destigmatized in America, this number is likely to trend upwards, and employers should be prepared to accommodate employees seeking to better their health — even if that means cutting out some time during the workday, explains Annie Rosencrans, director of people and culture at HR management platform HiBob. 

"A lot of therapists don't have availability on weekends or before and after work," says Rosencrans. "Managers need to consider the needs of the role and when it's reasonable for someone to take some time off."

Read more: Reminding employees about their mental health benefits reduces stigma and improves engagement

Rosencrans notes that even if an employee can find a therapist appointment before or after work hours, their own personal commitments may make it difficult to consistently attend appointments. Rather, managers should be willing to help an employee set aside an hour or so a week to receive treatment if the employee is having trouble doing so by themselves.

"If an employee feels like they have to hide it or it needs to be a secret, that's not a great reflection of the manager-employee relationship," says Rosencrans. "It doesn't support the productivity of the employee either."

In fact, Rosencrans can personally attest to the positive impact therapy is having on her own mental health and her work. She has a virtual therapy appointment every Friday afternoon.

"A lot of my anxiety and mental health challenges are often related to stress from work," she says. "So it's particularly helpful to take a step back and get an outsider's perspective on some of the things I'm going through. It refreshes me, and if I'm having a tough day, it helps me rest, get my mind organized, and better approach the day."

Read more: Work is the main source of mental health strain in 2023

Still, that doesn't mean the only challenge employees will encounter is scheduling the appointment itself or even talking to their manager. Therapy is an emotional experience and can be exhausting on its own, let alone in the middle of the workday.

"If an employee breaks away for an hour to talk about something really personal and emotional, it may be hard for them to get back into the flow of the day," says Rosencrans. "The need for transition time should be taken into account."

In other words, employees may not be able to readily jump straight into a meeting or an intensive task. However, this shouldn't deter employers from encouraging employees to seek help during the workday, underlines Rosencrans. Instead, managers should be considerate of this hour block on their employee's calendar and refrain from filling up their schedule with meetings right after unless absolutely necessary. 

Read more: Why working parents would benefit from pediatric mental health benefits

Ultimately, Rosencrans advises employers to make it easy for employees to take care of themselves. Otherwise, many employees will postpone treatment — and whether their ailments are physical or mental, it will likely impact their work if left untreated.

"Employees need to be able to proactively take care of themselves," says Rosencrans. "If they're not doing that, how can they possibly bring their best selves to work?"