Cough, Cough: More Than Half Of Workers Call In “Sick”

Cough, Cough: More Than Half of Workers Call In “Sick”

Feeling the need for a sick day? In today’s fast-paced work environment, many employees call in “sick” for a variety of reasons beyond just physical illness. From mental health days to job interviews, there are times when stepping away from work is essential for well-being.

In our latest survey of 2,000 American workers, we explored the most common reasons for calling in sick as well as the trends in how employees navigate these absences. Interestingly, the rates vary significantly across different states.

How Many Workers Are Calling in “Sick” in Each State?

Use the map below to discover the percentage of workers calling in “sick” in each state.

Additional Findings

While most employees notify their boss less than six hours before their shift, a daring 3% inform their supervisors after they are already due at work.
Following genuine illness, the most frequent reason for calling in sick is for mental health.
A majority (53%) of workers opt to call in sick verbally, while only 25% text their employers.
Workers in Wisconsin, Utah, and Minnesota are the least likely to call in under non-illness circumstances.
Conversely, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New Hampshire see the highest rates of “sick” days being taken.

All the Reasons People Call in Sick

We invited workers to select all the reasons they call in sick, acknowledging that sick days can encompass a variety of situations—from genuine illness to needing a mental health break.

Our findings reveal that the majority of workers who call in sick do so because they are genuinely unwell. However, right behind that, many are utilizing sick days for mental health reasons. A notable number also cite tiredness or feeling unwell but not sick enough to warrant a day off. Additionally, some workers admit to taking a sick day to recover from a hangover or to engage in leisure activities. An interesting 11% have even used sick days to attend interviews for new job opportunities.

To ensure we captured the full picture, we asked respondents for “other” reasons for their sick days:

Other Reasons People Have Called In Sick

Stolen vehicle
Breakups
Taking a holiday not recognized by company policy
Chronic health conditions
Feeling unprepared for the day
Workplace stress
Home maintenance issues
Bed bug infestation
Accidentally overslept
Child-related issues (childcare, illness, etc.)
Pursuing recreational activities

The top three “other” reasons provided included chronic health conditions, childcare issues, and personal crises such as breakups or funerals.

Interestingly, some respondents indicated that their need for sick days stemmed from a toxic work environment. One individual shared, “I called in sick to avoid working because my boss was abusive and the workplace was hostile. I genuinely feared going to work.” Many cited stress from management, workplace drama, and general anxiety as contributing factors for needing a break.

The silver lining? Employers can reduce absenteeism by fostering healthier work environments. The downside? Often, those in leadership roles are the very source of the stress prompting employees to take sick days. Awkward, indeed.

Methodology

This study was conducted by Zippia.com, a career resource platform, gathering insights from 2,000 workers across the United States about their reasons for calling in sick.

Go Ahead and Take a Sick Day, But Maybe Not Too Many

It’s important to note that most employees aren’t calling in sick for trivial reasons.

While some may not have a fever, they often need a mental health break or have pressing medical appointments. Others may find themselves homebound due to transportation issues or childcare responsibilities.

Indeed, 13% of workers admit to nursing a hangover, and around 14% utilize the day for leisure, but the majority are not simply enjoying a day off.

Employers should recognize the human side of their employees, understanding that personal issues can intersect with work obligations. Ideally, employees returning from a day off will feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle their responsibilities.

Employees shouldn’t feel guilty about taking time off when they reach their limits or when family emergencies arise. However, if you frequently call in sick to escape work-related stress, it may affect your professional reputation and job security. For the 24% of individuals who call in simply because they don’t want to work, it might be time to explore new job opportunities that align better with your career aspirations.

The States That Play Hooky the Most

Rank	State	%
1	Connecticut	70%
2	New Hampshire	69%
3	New Jersey	69%
4	Kansas	65%
5	Kentucky	64%
5	New Mexico	64%
7	California	60%
8	Indiana	58%
9	New York	58%
10	Missouri	58%
11	Florida	57%
11	Mississippi	57%
13	Washington	56%
14	Colorado	56%
14	Arkansas	56%
16	Illinois	55%
17	Texas	55%
18	Idaho	55%
18	Vermont	55%
20	Pennsylvania	53%
21	Oklahoma	52%
22	Arizona	50%
22	Nebraska	50%
22	Rhode Island	50%
22	Hawaii	50%
22	North Dakota	50%
22	Alaska	50%
22	South Dakota	50%
22	Wyoming	50%
30	Georgia	49%
31	Ohio	48%
32	Tennessee	48%
33	South Carolina	48%
34	Iowa	47%
35	Louisiana	45%
35	Montana	45%
37	Delaware	43%
38	Oregon	42%
39	North Carolina	41%
40	West Virginia	40%
40	Nevada	40%
42	Virginia	36%
43	Alabama	36%
44	Michigan	35%
45	Massachusetts	34%
46	Maine	33%
47	Minnesota	31%
48	Utah	29%
50	Wisconsin	21%

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Kathy Morris

Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.

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