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In many countries taking a sick day is simple, but in the U.S. it can cost you your job, your health or both, according to a study by Team Software.

Sixty-seven percent of employees decided to work while sick over the last year, the data showed, as millions of Americans without a federal guarantee for paid sick leave were forced to choose between income and well-being.

"This staggering statistic has real implications for both employee well-being and organizational risk,” a Team Software spokesperson told PropertyCasualty360.

“In industries where safety and reliability are paramount, this presents a serious exposure—sick or fatigued workers increase the likelihood of costly incidents and claims,” the spokesperson added. “Addressing the affordability of sick leave isn’t just a workforce issue, it’s a risk mitigation strategy."

Other key takeaways…

  • Forty-two percent of U.S. workers faked being physically ill to access time off to avoid burnout and overworking.
  • Fifteen percent of Gen Z workers have been fired for taking sick days.
  • One in four workers say they've developed insomnia due to overworking, and another one in five say being overworked has given them anxiety or panic attacks.

“Money pressure, lack of protections and career anxiety form a three-way vise that often forces employees to push through illness,” Team Software said in the report. “All of these pressures add up. In the past year, 57% of Americans took two or fewer sick days, regardless of how often they may have needed rest.”

Have sick days cost workers their jobs?

No— for 67% of U.S. workers, this hasn’t been a concern.
No— but 26% of U.S. workers feared it could happen to them.
Yes— 4% of U.S. workers were not fired but were pressured to leave or sidelined
Yes— 3% of U.S. workers were officially let go or terminated.

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