?? 23M employees calling out sick? Time to call an audible
Flu season isn’t the only time sick leave spikes—22.6 million employees are planning to miss work the day after the Super Bowl. Whether sick or simply exhausted, absenteeism can derail productivity and breed resentment among colleagues. To keep teams running at full strength, employers need a smarter game plan in place. This week, we’re covering the cost of America’s biggest game, the unspoken side effect of sick days, and the latest protein-packed snack craze to keep workers fueled—especially when Super Bowl Sunday leaves them running on empty.?
In this edition:
This week's top 4 workplace trends
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT
America’s favorite game comes with a cost the following Monday. A record 22.6 million employees are planning to skip work the day after the Superbowl, up from 16.1 million last year. Whether it’s calling in sick, “ghosting” their jobs, or taking a pre-approved day off, workers are making game-time decisions that impact business productivity nationwide. Instead of fighting the inevitable, employers can offer flexible work arrangements like late start times or work-from-home options—this small adjustment could score major points with your team!?
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT
Flu season is in full swing, and while sick leave is necessary, it can rouse resentment among coworkers who pick up the slack. Research shows that absenteeism can be contagious—when employees see others calling in sick frequently, they’re more likely to do the same out of fairness or frustration. Leaders must build trust, distribute workloads fairly, and emphasize teamwork to encourage employees to support each other without the need to “get even.”?
HEALTH
Meat sticks are no longer just a gas station staple—they're a booming $3.29 billion industry, making them one of the fastest-growing snack categories. Today’s health-conscious snackers have an abundance of options, from grass-fed, sugar-free varieties to unique flavors like alligator and kangaroo. This trend presents an opportunity for employers to stock their office kitchen with high-protein, grab-and-go snacks to keep employees focused and fueled.?
HEALTH
The American Heart Association reports that heart disease remains the top killer in the US, accounting for nearly 40% of deaths annually. This crisis is driven by unhealthy lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, lack of sleep), widening racial disparities, and rising obesity rates. February is National Heart Month, making it the perfect time for employers to launch a heart health challenge that promotes stress management, nutrition, and fitness for improved cardiovascular well-being.?
Integrating rewards & recognition into your employee wellness program can help boost overall engagement and support ongoing habit formation.
Looking for a fun and engaging way to boost employee well-being? Wellable’s Wellness Challenges combine gamified engagement, integrated rewards, and reporting and analytics for a seamless and impactful way to foster team connection and improve employee health. Choose from over 30 turnkey challenges to fit your organization’s needs, with new themes added quarterly to keep the experience fresh and exciting. Explore the full library and start building a culture of health today!
Wellness as a one-size-fits-one solution
While our website offers a wealth of free tools and resources, we understand that every organization is unique. If you're looking for professional guidance, our dedicated team is here to help. Whether it's planning a comprehensive wellness program, working within your budget, or recommending the best wellness initiatives tailored to your organization's needs, we've got you covered. Feel free to reach out to us anytime for personalized assistance.
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