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Recent data shows that Generation Z employees are taking more paid sick days than previous generations, New York Post reports.
According to HR platform Gusto, which serves over 300,000 U.S. businesses, about 30% of employees took sick leave in the first 10 months of 2023—a 42% increase from 2019.
The average time taken off has also grown by 15%, now averaging 15.5 hours per year.
Experts point to a generational shift in attitudes toward health and work-life balance.
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z, typically defined as individuals born between the mid-to-late 1990s and early 2010s, values rest and recovery, prioritising their well-being over pushing through illness.
They are more inclined to stay home when unwell to avoid spreading infections, reflecting a more health-conscious approach to work.
A career coach, Dr. Kyle Elliott, notes that Gen Z workers understand that sick days aren’t just for physical ailments but also for mental health.
“It’s easier to take a sick day when you find meaning and purpose beyond your work and career,” Elliott told Fox News Digital.
He said this generation is more comfortable using sick time to manage stress or burnout, recognising that mental recovery is just as important as physical health.
Moreover, experts point out that the emphasis on work-life balance is a key driver.
Many Gen Z employees believe that there’s more to life than work, and they don’t see the benefit in working while sick.
Exclusive data from the Top Employers Gen Z survey revealed that 81% of young workers believe employers have a responsibility to support their physical well-being, while 83% feel the same about psychological support.
This expectation contributes to their willingness to take sick days when needed.
A senior medical analyst, Dr Marc Siegel, suggests that increased sick leave may also be linked to burnout and a lack of commitment to careers, especially among younger employees.
“People are more likely to game the system or require mental health days because of growing anxiety and depression in our society.
“Some people just feel like providing more balance in their lives between work and play,” Siegel theorised.
According to the report, the post-pandemic landscape has seen a rise in anxiety and depression, prompting many to seek a balance between work and personal life.
Ultimately, Gen Z is redefining the approach to sick leave, viewing it as a necessary part of maintaining overall health and well-being, rather than a last resort.
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