In the context of today’s rapidly evolving workplace, the phenomenon of increasing absenteeism has emerged as a critical concern across various industries. While occasional sick leaves have historically been a norm in professional settings, recent years have witnessed a marked rise in the frequency of these absences, prompting significant discussions around workplace culture, employee health, and overall productivity.
A striking example has recently been observed at Tesla’s Berlin Gigafactory, where an alarming 17% of the workforce reported illness in August 2023.With a workforce of approximately 12,000 employees, this figure equates to around 2,040 workers calling in sick within a single month. In response to this troubling trend, the company has implemented drastic measures, including home visits to German employees who reported sickness. Factory manager Andre Thierig remarked that such visits are not uncommon and are intended to reinforce the workforce’s “work ethic.” Tesla’s approach, while seemingly extreme, highlights the growing trend of absenteeism due to illness.
The Global Rise in Sick Leave: An Insight
The challenge of absenteeism is not limited to Tesla’s Berlin plant alone. Extensive research has shown that in recent years, the incidence of burnout and mental health-related sick leaves has surged in workplaces around the globe, including Germany.
A study titled Trends in Burnout and Related Sick Leave Duration in Working-Age Adults examined patients in general practices in Germany between 2012 and 2022. Published in the Journal of Psychiatry Research, the study included 39,793, 46,708, and 50,721 patients diagnosed with burnout during the periods of 2012–2014, 2016–2018, and 2020–2022, respectively. The prevalence of burnout among all patients was recorded at 3.6%, 3.8%, and 3.6% during these intervals. Notably, the study found that burnout diagnosed in 2016–2018 and 2020–2022 was linked to a higher likelihood of long-term sick leave compared to the earlier period of 2012–2014.
A MetLife UK report from February 2023 revealed that 40% of employees admitted to taking sick leave due to burnout. The survey, which included 2,009 employees in the UK, underscored the rising rates of employee burnout and mental health issues. Interestingly, 30% of respondents indicated that their sick leave stemmed not from physical ailments but from stress and mental fatigue.
This trend is also evident in the U.S., where a Business Insider report highlighted that Generation Z is significantly driving the increase in sick leave, particularly for mental health reasons. Sick leave in the U.S. surged by 55% in 2023 compared to 2019, with workers under 35 taking more sick days than their older counterparts.
In India, absenteeism is also becoming a pressing concern. In May 2024, Air India Express terminated 30 cabin crew members after nearly 300 employees called in sick and turned off their phones, resulting in massive flight cancellations and operational disruptions, including the cancellation of 85 flights in a single day.
Culprits Behind the Surge in Sick Leave
There are several reasons why employees, especially younger ones, are taking more sick leave than ever before. Understanding these causes is key to addressing the issue:
Post-Pandemic Health Concerns: The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed how people view illness in the workplace. Employees are more cautious about their health, and there is less stigma around taking time off to recover from sickness or prevent the spread of illness.
Mental Health Challenges: Mental health has become a critical factor in the rising rates of absenteeism, particularly among Generation Z. According to a study by the Walton Foundation, 42% of Gen Z workers report experiencing depression and feelings of hopelessness, compared to just 23% of older generations. As mental health awareness grows, more employees are taking time off to address burnout, anxiety, and stress.
Shift in Work-Life Balance Priorities: Younger generations are more focussed on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. A Dayforce report, cited by Business Insider India, found that employees are increasingly prioritizing their well-being over work commitments, with many taking sick leave as a form of self-care. This generational shift reflects a broader trend toward valuing personal health and happiness over traditional work pressures.
Poor Working Conditions: In some cases, absenteeism is directly linked to bad working conditions. In Tesla’s Berlin plant, the German car-making union IG Metall claimed that high absenteeism was due to employees being overworked and subjected to unsafe conditions. Employees are more likely to call in sick if they feel overburdened or unsafe in their workplace.
Burnout and Fatigue: Many employees are dealing with burnout after years of working in high-stress environments. The pandemic blurred the lines between work and home life, and the pressure to remain productive has led to increased levels of fatigue, causing employees to take more sick leave to recover.
Measures to Reduce Sick Leave: What Can Employers Do?
While absenteeism can’t be entirely avoided, there are several proactive steps companies can take to reduce the frequency of sick leaves while maintaining a healthy and motivated workforce
Prioritize Employee Well-being: Companies must foster a supportive environment that values employee health, both mental and physical. Offering mental health resources, flexible work schedules, and wellness programs can help employees feel supported and reduce the likelihood of burnout.
Improve Working Conditions: Providing safe, ergonomic, and well-regulated working conditions is essential to keeping absenteeism in check. Overworked employees are more likely to call in sick, so employers must ensure that workloads are manageable and that staff are not working in unsafe or unhealthy environments.
Offer Remote Work Flexibility: The pandemic demonstrated that many jobs can be completed remotely. Offering remote work options or hybrid schedules can help reduce stress and improve work-life balance, leading to fewer sick days. Employees who have flexibility are more likely to stay engaged and take care of their health proactively.
