Labor Day is distinctive among American holidays. It does not derive from major events in American history, the lives of great Americans, or religious traditions; it was created to celebrate the efforts of the American labor movement, the social and economic achievements of workers, and the enobling nature of work itself.

Employers have long played an important role in the development of our health care system, which is rooted in this country’s industrial beginnings. Employers are not only purchasers of health care benefits; they design and solicit benefit models, choose whether (or not) to provide mental health benefits, and determine the administration of those benefits. Educating employers about the importance of investing in mental health benefits has been a major focus as we continue to slog through the pandemic and the need for employers to support employees’ physical and mental health is acute. Persistent stressful conditions associated with the COVID-19 era have serious health and safety consequences in the workplace:

• Exposure to prolonged stress is associated with the development of mental exhaustion, or burnout.

•Mental exhaustion causes physical and emotional symptoms and changes in behavior.

•Burnout is associated with heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and suppressed immunity.

Ignoring symptoms of burnout or trying to push through mental exhaustion has emotional and physical consequences. If you can, use Labor Day to take a step back, re-evaluate and then re-engage.

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