In the context of today’s rapidly evolving workplace, the phenomenon of increasing absenteeism has emerged as a serious concern across various industries. While occasional sick leave has historically been the norm in professional settings, recent years have seen a significant increase in the frequency of these absences, leading to important discussions about workplace culture, employee health, and overall productivity.
A recent notable example was seen at Tesla’s Berlin Gigafactory, where an alarming 17% of the workforce reported sick in August 2023. With a workforce of approximately 12,000 employees, this figure is equivalent to approximately 2,040 employees calling in sick within a month. In response to this troubling trend, the company has implemented drastic measures, including home visits to German employees who report sick. Factory manager Andre Thierig commented that such visits are not unusual and are intended to reinforce the “work ethic” of the workforce. Tesla’s view, although seemingly extreme, highlights the increasing trend of absenteeism due to illness.
The global increase in sick leave: an insight
The challenge of absenteeism is not limited to Tesla’s Berlin plant. Extensive research has shown that in recent years, the incidence of burn out And the number of mental health-related illnesses has increased in workplaces around the world, including in Germany.
A study titled Trends in burnout and related sick leave duration among working-age adults. Patients examined in general practices in Germany between 2012 and 2022 Psychiatry Research JournalThe study included 39,793, 46,708 and 50,721 patients suffering from burnout during the periods 2012-2014, 2016-2018 and 2020-2022, respectively. The prevalence of burnout among all patients during these intervals was recorded at 3.6%, 3.8% and 3.6%. Specifically, the study found that a diagnosis of burnout in 2016-2018 and 2020-2022 was associated with a greater likelihood of long-term sick leave compared to the previous period of 2012-2014.
A MetLife UK A February 2023 report revealed that 40% of employees admitted to taking sick leave due to burnout. The survey, which included 2,009 employees in the UK, highlighted rising rates of employee burnout mental health issues. Interestingly, 30% of respondents indicated that their sick leave was not due to physical illnesses but due to stress and mental fatigue.
This trend is also evident in America, where a business insider The report highlights that Generation Z in particular is increasing sick leave for mental health reasons. Sick leave in the US is set to increase by 55% in 2023 compared to 2019, with workers under the age of 35 taking more sick days than their older counterparts.
In India, absenteeism is also becoming a serious concern. In May 2024, Air India Express dismissed 30 cabin crew members after nearly 300 employees called in sick and switched off their phones, resulting in mass flight cancellations and operational disruption, including This included the cancellation of 85 flights in a single day.
The culprit behind increase in sick leave
There are many reasons why workers, especially younger ones, are taking more sick leave than ever before. It is important to understand these reasons to solve the problem:
Health concerns after the pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the way people view illness in the workplace. Employees are more vigilant about their health, and there is less stigma around taking time off to recover from an illness or prevent the spread of disease.
Mental Health Challenges: Mental health has become a significant factor in the increasing rates of absenteeism, especially among Generation Z. According to a study by the Walton Foundation, 42% of Gen Z employees experience feelings of depression and hopelessness, while only 23% of employees from older generations experience feelings of depression and hopelessness. , As awareness of mental health increases, more employees are taking time off to deal with fatigue, anxiety and stress.
in turn work life balance Priorities: The younger generation is more focused on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. A day force report, cited by business insider indiafound that employees are 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 to value personal health and happiness more than traditional work pressures.
poor working conditions: In some cases, absenteeism is directly linked to poor working conditions. At Tesla’s Berlin plant, German car-making union IG Metall claimed high absenteeism was due to overworked workers and unsafe conditions. Employees are more likely to fall ill if they feel overburdened or unsafe in their workplace.
Burnout and fatigue: Many employees struggle with burnout after working for years in high-stress environments. The pandemic has blurred the lines between work and home life, and the pressure to remain productive has led to increased levels of fatigue, leading workers to take more sick leave to recover.
Ways to reduce sick leave: What can employers do?
Although absenteeism cannot be completely 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 welfare: Companies should foster a supportive environment that values both the mental and physical health of employees. Offering mental health resources, flexible work schedules, and wellness programs can help employees feel supported and reduce the likelihood of burnout.
Improvement in working conditions: Providing safe, ergonomic and well-regulated working conditions is essential to control absenteeism. Overworked employees are more likely to fall ill, so employers should ensure that workloads are manageable and that employees are not working in an unsafe or unhealthy environment.
Provide remote work flexibility: The pandemic showed that many tasks 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 resilience are more likely to stay engaged and actively take care of their health.
