The workplace is changing, and younger employees are leading the charge. Recent data shows a significant uptick in the use of sick leave, especially among Gen Z workers attributed to work-life balance, mental health, and changing attitudes towards work.
Several HR platforms have reported a rise in sick leave usage. Dayforce noted a 55% increase in 2023 compared to 2019, while Gusto found a 42% jump in sick leave among white-collar workers over the same period. What’s particularly interesting is that younger workers are driving this trend.
“There’s just a generational shift towards balancing work life, taking care of your whole self and those sorts of things,” explains Liz Wilke, a principal economist at Gusto. She adds, “People are just, I think, being a little more protective of their health and enforcing some work-life boundaries, especially around their health.”
The reasons behind this shift are complex. The COVID-19 pandemic has made people more health-conscious, reminding us of the risks of going to work while sick. There’s also been an expansion in what’s considered a valid reason for taking sick leave. Mental health days, for instance, are becoming more common.
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Gen Z workers report higher levels of stress and anxiety at work compared to other generations. They’re also more open to discussing mental health in the workplace. This openness might contribute to their increased use of sick leave.
Another factor at play is the changing relationship between employees and employers. After witnessing widespread layoffs, younger workers might be less inclined to sacrifice their well-being for a job that doesn’t guarantee long-term security.
Kenneth Matos, director of market insights at HiBob, an HR-tech company, points out, “There’s also a reduction of faith in making sacrifices for your job paying off.” He suggests that workers are questioning what they gain by pushing through illness to work.
Interestingly, some data indicates that remote workers are using more sick time than in-person workers. Brittany Schmaling, a principal data analyst at Dayforce, speculates that this might be due to company culture. “My hypothesis there is the company culture around it — that because they already have such a flexible working environment it’s more acceptable for them to take the day,” she says.
However, it’s important to note that not all workers have the same flexibility when it comes to taking sick leave. Many in-person jobs, especially in sectors like retail, don’t offer paid sick leave, making the decision to call out sick more difficult.
Some experts argue that this trend towards taking more sick leave could be beneficial for both workers and companies. Presenteeism – showing up to work while sick – can harm productivity and extend recovery times.
Malissa Clark, an associate professor at the University of Georgia, explains, “If they take that sick day, hopefully they can just fully rest and then recover more quickly. But if they drag it out and they’re working at the same time and not fully resting, it’s actually going to harm them.”
However, this shift goes against long-standing elements of American work culture that value constant availability and prioritize work over personal needs.
Mindy Shoss, a psychology professor at the University of Central Florida, notes, “We have a culture that glorifies overwork as an indication of commitment.”
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It’s unclear whether this trend will continue or if there might be long-term consequences for workers who frequently use sick leave. Some managers may view frequent absences negatively, potentially impacting career prospects.