The Surge in Sick Days Among Young Professionals – What’s Behind It? ????

#Wellness #WorkplaceTrends #GenZ #Millennials

The workplace is no stranger to changing dynamics, but one recent shift is catching everyone’s attention: sick days among employees under 35 are on the rise. According to recent studies, young professionals are calling in sick at rates unseen before the pandemic. Data from the UK Health and Safety Executive and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that absenteeism due to health reasons has spiked, with an increase of 30% to 40% in the past few years among younger workers.

So, what’s happening here? And what’s driving this trend? ??

Pandemic or Paradigm Shift?

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about massive shifts in our understanding of health, safety, and personal boundaries. A Harvard Business Review study highlighted that the Gen Z and Millennial workforce places a higher value on mental health and well-being than previous generations. Many grew up with a different view of work-life balance, viewing health as non-negotiable rather than an afterthought.

Historically, taking a sick day was almost frowned upon. I still remember trudging to grammar school with a box of tissues in my backpack, more focused on perfect attendance than how I actually felt. It was a different time, and looking back, it’s almost funny – but it was the norm. Missing a day was seen as giving in or showing weakness, which shaped how many of us older folks now view time off for illness. In fact, a Forbes article from 2023 points out that younger generations’ attitudes toward health and wellness have transformed expectations in the workplace.

What the Studies Say ??

Several studies show that younger employees are taking more sick days for both physical and mental health concerns:

• Mental Health Concerns: A report from McKinsey & Company found that 59% of Gen Z employees cited mental health as a reason for missed work, compared to only 26% among Boomers.
• Long COVID and Lingering Effects: The CDC has published data showing that “long COVID” and post-viral symptoms disproportionately affect those under 40, with many younger workers facing ongoing physical symptoms that impact their daily lives.
• Workplace Expectations: A 2022 study by Qualtrics found that employees under 35 are more likely to expect mental health days, flexible sick leave, and better work-life balance.

There’s a connection here between younger professionals’ upbringing, where health awareness was more emphasized, and the lingering impacts of the pandemic. These professionals may simply be less inclined to “power through” than previous generations were taught to be. ??

Health Habits, Burnout, and Expectations

Burnout is another factor. The World Health Organization officially categorized burnout as an “occupational phenomenon” in 2019, and the demands on younger employees in fast-paced jobs can exacerbate it. According to Deloitte’s Global Millennial Survey, around 49% of Millennials and 60% of Gen Z report feeling burnt out “all or most of the time.” With more burnout comes a need to take time off to recharge.

Younger workers are also less willing to put their health on the line. They witnessed the toll of the pandemic firsthand, particularly on essential workers, and many prioritize health differently than previous generations.

A Balancing Act of Attitudes ??

This trend raises a question for companies: should they adapt to accommodate these new expectations? Or should there be a push toward resilience training to help younger professionals manage stress and health challenges differently?

While it’s difficult to say whether this trend is positive or negative, it does highlight that workplace norms are evolving. Employers might need to consider flexible sick policies that encompass both physical and mental health to remain competitive and support employees holistically.

Conclusion: A New Era of Health in the Workplace

The increase in sick days among younger employees isn’t just a post-pandemic anomaly; it reflects a deeper shift in values and health consciousness. Perhaps it’s time we reevaluate what constitutes "dedication" in the workplace. Is it showing up no matter what, or recognizing when to step back to prioritize long-term well-being? As someone who once viewed “powering through” as a badge of honor, it’s interesting to see these norms shifting. Maybe there’s value in this recalibration after all.

Sources:

• McKinsey & Company - "The Next Normal: Young Professionals and Mental Health"
• CDC - "Long COVID Impact on Workers"
• Deloitte Global Millennial Survey 2023
• Harvard Business Review - "How Gen Z is Redefining Wellness in the Workplace"

This trend speaks to a broader societal shift, one that’s challenging how we think about work, health, and resilience. Let’s keep an open mind – this conversation is just beginning.