I work 12 hour shifts three days a week (Sat, Sun and Mon). It’s a horrible warehouse job where I’m constantly chased for my targets/KPIs and usually don’t feel I have time to go to the toilet when I feel I have to go (because going to the toilet will jeopardise my target). It’s so physically gruelling and I am both physically and emotionally exhausted from the job, and stressed from the pressure they put on me for KPIs, in addition to mental health issues that don’t concern the job (which the job makes worse). It really is a HORRIBLE job.
I’m on Stage 2 or 3 I think for absences (of the company’s stage system…stage 4 or 5 being the sack I think…but you can get warnings in between each stage depending on how they feel).
I didn’t go in yesterday due to a severe bout of depression and same today (in large part caused by the job, but not exclusively). I don’t plan on going into the place tomorrow either. I haven’t been able to call in due to not having their new absence number. But I’m thinking of going in tomorrow, not to work, but just to ask someone at reception if someone from HR could come to see me. I plan on pouring my heart out and being totally honest with them about my mental health and want to know the following:
Can I ask for time off related to stress and depression, or can only a doctor authorise this? And would said time off be paid?
I haven’t seen a doctor for my depression (but plan to), so will this affect how seriously they take me?
The company is going through administration – will this make them more likely to just be less understanding?
Love and thanks in advance.