Gen Z is shaking up the workplace by taking more sick and mental health days – and it’s changing office culture. In fact, sick leave overall has skyrocketed, with a 55% increase in 2023 compared to 2019. While workers of all ages are taking more time off, it's young people who are really driving the shift, with workers between the ages of 25 and 34 taking more sick days than older workers.
And Gen Z workers aren’t just taking more sick days – they’re also more likely to take extended leaves, like sabbaticals, to recharge and focus on their mental health. This generational shift is all about balancing work and personal life, ensuring they take care of their whole selves.