The global apparel and well known shoe brand - Nike has closed its corporate offices for a week putting some of its employees mental health ahead of productivity, so that they get additional time to rest and recover and enjoy the holidays with their families.
The decision is taken for those who work at the company headquartered near Beaverton.
Commenting on the move, senior manager at Nike, Matt Marrazzo had posted on his LinkedIn page, “It’s not just a ‘week off’ for the team … It’s an acknowledgment that we can prioritize mental health and still get work done.”
Another employee had stated, “It’s not only a chance to recharge and keep us together, but also a thank you for an impressive year."
An Associate Professor at the University of Oregon School of Law- Liz Tippett said that it is a good move by company.
“I like raising the focus of mental health as a basis for people to take their time off, not just when they’re physically ill,” Tippett said, “I think it’s important to recognize the role mental health plays for workers and worker well-being.”
Retail stores of Nike are still open.
“If it is the case that part-time workers in a retail store are expected to come to work, whereas headquarter offices are not, that also sends a message about which kind of workers they care about and are willing to invest in,” Tippett further noted.
In the year of 2019, The World Health Organization recognized workplace burn out as an occupational phenomenon. The very first time the global health agency Straightly linked burnout in its classifications of diseases a work hazard. It mean that the workers or employees could seek medical help for something different from an illness or health condition.
In the year of 2020 and 2021, companies started placing more of employees mental health by providing more time off.
Employees can either take a leave of four week after four years or take an eight week sabbatical after seven years.
In an email, A company official mentioned, that the move is intended for employees to refresh and recharge during the ongoing pandemic.
Five well being days were further added to the paid time off benefits globally to help employees prioritize their health.
