The reasons behind Gen Z employees taking more sick days than previous generations.

Sick days have taken on a whole new meaning.

Companies are experiencing an increase in the usage of paid sick days by Generation Z employees.

In the first 10 months of 2023, approximately 30% of employees took sick leave, which is a 42% increase from 2019, as per Gusto, a HR platform used by over 300,000 U.S. businesses.

Since 2019, the average amount of time taken off for sick leave has increased by 15%, reaching an average of 15.5 hours per year.

During the same time frame, Dayforce, another HR platform, experienced a 55% increase in sick leave among its users.

Since 2019, there has been a 42% increase in sick leave among white-collar workers, according to Dayforce.

According to Gusto's data, workers aged 25 to 34 were the most likely to utilize these benefits.

According to Gusto's report from last year, the current generation is more likely to prioritize rest and recovery from illness, indicating a shift in the way employees view taking time off to prioritize their health.

Jake Canull, the regional director of the Top Employers Institute in New York, responded to the data in a statement sent to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Employers are encouraging sick days to prevent and recover from illness, according to new research, said Canull.

Initiatives to promote mental and emotional health awareness have been implemented by many companies with high levels of employee engagement, according to the expert.

Canull stated that these companies are 14% less likely to discourage people from working overtime and 9% more likely to encourage them to take stress-relieving breaks during the workday.

Independent and self-directed workspaces are less appealing to Gen Z employees, who prioritize human contact and collaboration, according to him.

"They tend to prioritize safer and healthier workplaces over growth and development opportunities."

He stated that America's young workers prioritize their own well-being and are highly community-focused.

They tend to avoid infecting their colleagues by staying home, as Canull told Planet Chronicle Digital.

"Typically, they prioritize safer and healthier work environments over growth and development prospects."

Dr. Marc Siegel, a Planet Chronicle senior medical analyst and NYU Langone clinical professor of medicine, stated that it would be "ideal" to believe that an increased use of sick days is a result of individuals being more aware of spreading illness since the pandemic.

""However, I believe that post-COVID fatigue has led to fewer precautions, including COVID, which is now spreading widely again," he said."

Burnout at work is more likely to result from rising sick days, a lack of rewards, and a lack of commitment to careers, particularly among younger individuals.

According to Siegel, growing anxiety and depression in society increase the likelihood of people gaming the system or taking mental health days.

"Others desire to achieve a greater equilibrium in their existence, balancing their professional and leisure activities."

Gen Z employees prioritize work-life balance, according to Dr. Kyle Elliott, a career coach based in California.

Taking a sick day is easier when you discover a sense of purpose and significance beyond your job and profession, according to Elliott, who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital.

According to the expert, Gen Z workers understand that sick days aren't only for physical ailments.

Elliott stated that sick days can be utilized during times of stress or burnout, and employers do not require a detailed explanation for their usage.

Sixty-two percent of Gen Z respondents would be willing to accept a lower salary in return for a better work-life balance.

"Taking a day or two off when feeling mentally worn down or exhausted can benefit Gen Z workers in the long run by allowing them to recover quicker."

According to Elliott, America's young workers are discovering that there is "more to life than work" and "little advantage in working when you're unwell."

According to the Top Employers Gen Z survey, 81% of young workers believe that employers should prioritize the physical well-being of their employees.

A majority of people, 83%, believe that employers should prioritize their employees' mental health.

A survey found that 62% of Gen Z respondents would prefer a better work-life balance over a higher salary.

Workers from Gen Z believe that building supportive work environments, fostering community, social connections, and belonging are crucial, with 78% of them saying so. Additionally, 75% of them believe that having fun at work is important.