Workplace Absenteeism on the Rise: Mental Health, Burnout, and Changing Work Culture

In recent years, there has been a marked uptick in the frequency of such absences, prompting important discussions regarding workplace culture, employee well-being, and overall productivity.

Recent research highlights a significant surge in burnout and mental health-related absenteeism in workplaces globally, including in Germany, over the last few years.

“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,” says a 2023 study by Metlife UK.

“Generation Z is a major factor behind the rise in sick leave, especially concerning mental health issues. In 2023, sick leave in the U.S. rose by 55% compared to 2019, with employees under 35 taking more sick days than those who are older,” says a study by Business Insider which focuses on the similar situations in the US.

India is not immune to the rising issue of absenteeism. Recently, in May 2024, Air India Express made the decision to terminate the employment of 30 cabin crew members after an incident where around 300 employees reported illness and turned off their phones. This led to widespread flight cancellations and considerable operational challenges, with 85 flights canceled in just one day.

Research across various sectors highlights three primary factors contributing to the trend of absenteeism.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered perceptions of health in the workplace. Employees are now more conscious of their well-being, and there is a diminishing stigma associated with taking time off to recover from illness or to prevent the spread of infections.

A study by the Walton Foundation indicates that 42% of Gen Z employees report experiencing depression and feelings of hopelessness, compared to only 23% of older generations. As awareness of mental health issues grows, an increasing number of employees are taking leave to address burnout, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, younger generations are placing a higher value on achieving a healthy work-life balance, prioritizing their well-being over job obligations, with many choosing sick leave as a form of self-care.

Absenteeism is frequently linked to inadequate working conditions. A notable instance can be observed at Tesla’s Berlin facility, where the German automotive union IG Metall indicated that increased absenteeism rates stemmed from employees dealing with overwhelming workloads and hazardous environments.

Many workers are suffering from burnout due to prolonged exposure to high-pressure work environments. The pandemic has exacerbated the challenges of balancing professional and personal life, and the relentless push for productivity has led to increased levels of fatigue.