Stress leave: Why it matters, how to take one

Stress leave gives you the chance to take a breather at work without the stress of losing pay or your job. In Australia, it's usually taken as personal leave, and while some situations require a medical certificate, others may not. Either way, it's covered by employment laws, so it’s that safety net you can rely on when work gets a bit overwhelming.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what stress leave is, how to ask for it, and the support you can lean on while you’re taking time out.

What is a stress leave?

Stress leave is time off work when things feel too overwhelming and start taking a toll on your health. You might hear it called mental health leave from work, mental health day, sick leave, or simply stress leave. Even though these terms overlap, they can point to different types of leave.

Stress leave usually refers to time off due to work-related pressure or burnout, while mental health leave can also relate to diagnosed conditions like work anxiety or depression, even if they're not directly caused by work.

Stress leave is generally covered under personal leave or sick leave in Australia, depending on your employment arrangement. Recognised under the National Employment Standards (NES), this type of leave allows you to step back from work when you're mentally or emotionally unwell and unfit to work, whether or not there's a diagnosed mental health condition involved. 

Grounds for stress leave: When should you consider it?

According to the recent findings from Gallup, nearly half of Australian workers report feeling a lot of stress on the job. That level of pressure, if left unaddressed, can lead to both physical and emotional strain.

Using your leave credits for mental rest, especially after an intense week or month at work, is a good habit. It’s the most sensible way to look after yourself. Keep in mind that your leave is part of your overall compensation, and there’s no reward for constantly pushing through exhaustion.

In some cases, workplace stress can start to affect your daily functioning more seriously. Signs to watch for include:

• Irritability, sadness, or lack of motivation

• Inability to concentrate or focus on tasks

• Ongoing insomnia, frequent headaches, or muscle pain

• Panic and anxiety attacks

• Work-related stress interfering with your personal life or leading to burnout

Taking action early, be it a short break or a longer recovery period, can make a significant difference.

How to get stress leave from work

Whether you’re feeling seriously overwhelmed or just mentally worn out from a tough week, there’s a clear process you can follow to take time off. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate your options.

1. Check your workplace’s leave policy and procedures

The first thing to do is take time to review your company’s leave or mental health policy. Not all stress leave requires a medical certificate. Some employers have more flexible policies that allow employees to take personal leave for self-care without needing to visit a doctor. Since requiring a certificate can add unnecessary stress, it’s worth checking whether your workplace accepts leave requests without one.

Additionally, make sure to understand the formal steps involved in applying for leave. Some employers may ask you to submit leave forms or use internal systems. Following your workplace’s exact process helps ensure your request is processed smoothly and without delay.

2. Understand your leave options

One common question employees ask is: Is stress leave paid? In most cases, yes, you get paid for stress leaves. 

Legally, there isn’t an official category called ‘paid stress leave’ in Australia, but stress-related absences typically fall under personal (sick) leave. According to NES, full-time and part-time employees are entitled to up to 10 days of paid personal leave per year.

That said, stress leave doesn’t always have to be formal or tied to a medical certificate. If you're feeling drained or emotionally flat, but the issue isn't severe, you can use your personal leave to take a mental break.

You also have the right not to label your time off as stress leave, especially if you’re not comfortable disclosing personal mental health with your manager. In that case, you can simply apply for personal leave focused on rest or general wellbeing. It’s a valid way to take care of yourself without needing to discuss specific details.

If you’re a casual worker, paid sick leave generally doesn’t apply, but you may be eligible for income protection insurance or workers’ compensation if your stress is work-related.

But if your paid leave runs out, you could also consider options like using annual leave, or, in certain cases, making a claim through WorkCover. In eligible cases, WorkCover can help cover lost wages, treatment, and recovery costs.

3. Speak to a healthcare professional (if needed)

If your workplace requires a medical certificate, or if your stress is significantly affecting your ability to function, it’s important to speak with a qualified healthcare provider, such as your GP, psychologist, or counsellor.

For those who are unsure what to say to a doctor to get stress leave, it’ll help to explain how your stress is making it hard to cope with work or everyday tasks. Focus on the impact of stress, rather than just talking about being busy or overwhelmed at work.

Your healthcare provider will have a look at how you’re doing and, if they determine that time off is needed, they can provide a medical or stress leave certificate to support your leave request. 

In more serious situations, such as those involving psychological injury or work-related mental health issues, you may also consider seeking legal advice to understand your rights and next steps.

4. Submit your stress leave request

Once you’ve reviewed your workplace policies and, if necessary, obtained a medical certificate, let your manager or HR team know about your intended leave. Keep your message simple and professional. Include your expected leave dates and whether your doctor has recommended a specific recovery period.

If your stress is linked to your job, this could be a good opportunity to start a conversation about possible adjustments, such as a reduced workload or a temporary remote work arrangement.

5. Know your rights and get support

Throughout this process, make sure you’re aware of your rights around sick leave, mental health support, and job protections. You can head to the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website to check your entitlements under the NES, including access to paid and unpaid leave.

If your workplace offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) like Talked’s Beyond EAP program, consider using it. This gives you access to confidential therapy sessions paid for by your employer. It’s not just for crisis support. Therapy can also help you process thoughts, build healthy habits, improve communication, and manage your work-life balance.

If your options aren’t clearly outlined, ask your manager or HR. Mental health support should be accessible, and it’s okay to advocate for yourself.

For leaders: How to support stressed employees

As stress levels continue to rise, the role of leaders in promoting mental health has never been more crucial in creating a sustainable and healthy work environment.

According to SafeWork Australia, one of the best ways to reduce stress is by setting clear work goals. If someone is handling new or difficult tasks, offer regular feedback and make time for development opportunities to keep things manageable.

It’s also about creating space for people to recover. If someone is away on stress leave, ensure their workload is fairly redistributed, rather than letting it pile up for their return. Make it known that taking care of mental health should be a priority. Modelling that behaviour yourself helps normalise healthy boundaries and mental health conversations.

Company policies, leadership behaviour, and the overall workplace culture all influence how stress leave is perceived. Normalising it starts with making it a visible and supported part of how you care for your team.

Normalising stress leave starts with us

Putting your health first isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the smartest moves you can make when work’s feeling like a bit much. Taking stress leave gives you a real chance to breathe, recover, and come back stronger.

By recognising the signs early, using available resources like EAP counselling, and advocating open conversations about mental wellbeing, we can all help create a culture where caring for your mental health is supported and encouraged.