Nike is giving its head office staff a week’s break

Daily US Times: Nike is giving a week off of its staff in corporate headquarters in Oregon to support their mental health, ahead of the return to the office in September.

From today until Friday, the company will “power down” to give employees a rest after a tough year.

The US firm’s head of insights Matt Marrazzo said in a message to staff: “Take the time to unwind, destress and spend time with your loved ones.”

It follows similar moves from Linkedin and dating app Bumble.

A growing number of employees have reported feeling burnt out as the coronavirus pandemic drags on and many continue to work from home.

Big US firms such as Uber, Apple and bank Wells Fargo have also delayed plans for staff to return to the office as Covid-19 infections surge across the US.

Mr Marrazzo told Nike staff in a Linkedin post last week: “Do not work” – adding that the past year had been “rough” and they were “living through a traumatic event”.

The post added: “In a year (or two) unlike any other, taking time for rest and recovery is key to performing well and staying sane.”

According to reports, the decision also reflects the fact Nike has had a successful year, with sales up and its stock gaining 20%.

Dating app Bumble, where women are in charge of making the first move, told its 700 staff around the world to switch off and focus on themselves back in June.

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