#USA #Arlington #NAMI #Mental Illness #Rest Up Week

NAMI Champions Employee Well-Being with Rest Up Week

As the importance of mental health in the workplace gains recognition, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is setting a powerful precedent with its fifth annual Rest Up Week. Scheduled from June 30 to July 4, NAMI will temporarily close its national office, allowing its staff a fully paid week off. This initiative embodies NAMI's commitment to fostering mental well-being among its employees, particularly at a time when burnout has reached alarming levels—73% of workers report feeling this way, while only a third of employers offer dedicated mental health breaks.

A Culture of Care: Putting People First

Daniel H. Gillison Jr., NAMI’s CEO, emphasizes that supporting mental health begins internally, highlighting that a healthy workplace starts with how team members are treated. He stated, "Rest Up Week is about giving our team the space to recharge—because rest isn't something extra, it's something essential. When we make time for our people, we're living our mission from the inside out."

This initiative comes on the heels of NAMI's 2025 Workplace Mental Health Poll, which indicates a significant gap between employee needs and employer responses. The findings underscore the urgent need for organizations to adopt similar practices and create supportive mental health environments.

Bridging the Mental Health Gap

In response to the stark realities revealed in their poll, NAMI advocates for awareness and action surrounding workplace mental health. As part of the StigmaFree Workplace program launched in 2021, NAMI aims to create mentally healthy environments that emphasize a culture of care. Since the program's inception, the organization has experienced measurable improvements in employee satisfaction and retention—indicators of its effectiveness and beneficial impact on workplace culture.

Gillison reiterated, "Mental health in the workplace isn't optional—it's essential. This pause is just one way we're building a culture that truly reflects our values. When we say 'mental health for all,' we mean all—including those doing the work. Well-being is how we sustain impact, not what comes after."

Leading by Example

To promote these ideals further, NAMI held a LinkedIn Live session on June 24 titled "Leading By Example." This event provided practical strategies for organizations striving to cultivate a nurturing workplace culture year-round. Highlighting real-world applications, the conversation encouraged leaders to take actionable steps toward supporting employee mental health.

Organizations seeking to implement similar programs are invited to access free resources available at nami.org/restupweek, where toolkits for crafting mental health-focused workplace policies are provided.

While NAMI's offices will remain closed for Rest Up Week, the organization’s crisis support will still be available. The NAMI HelpLine will operate on normal business hours from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, excluding July 4. Individuals in need can reach out to the HelpLine by calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), texting "NAMI" to 62640, visiting nami.org/help, or emailing info@nami.org.

Conclusion

The National Alliance on Mental Illness strives not only to support individuals and families affected by mental illness but also to champion the cause of mental health in the workplace. By initiating Rest Up Week, NAMI not only prioritizes its staff’s well-being but also sets an example for other organizations to follow, ultimately transforming workplace culture and promoting mental health awareness.