The first Monday in February has long been labelled National Sickie Day, with claims that it sees the highest number of employees calling in with ailments. But new data suggests it doesn’t hold up.
Absence records from 2024 show that January 22nd, not February 5th, had the highest number of absences, with 5,871 employees off work, according to data from HR platform BrightHR. Despite its reputation, February 5th ranked only ninth for sickness rates, although it did see 20.57% more absences than the average Monday.
Mondays See the Highest Sick Rates
While National Sickie Day may not be the peak day for absences, Mondays consistently record the most sick days throughout the year. In 2024, 27.34% of all workplace absences fell on a Monday, the data reveal, with significantly lower rates on other weekdays:
- Tuesdays: 172,714 absences
- Wednesdays: 150,356 absences
- Thursdays: 140,832 absences
- Fridays: 120,494 absences
Mondays dominated the year’s sickest days, accounting for nine of the top ten. The only exception was January 2nd, likely due to post-New Year’s Eve illness and a bank holiday backlog.
What’s Driving Sickness Trends?
The idea of National Sickie Day has been widely reported in the media, but data suggests that late January is a more critical period for workplace absences. Several factors may contribute to the trend:
- Seasonal illnesses – January is peak flu and cold season, increasing legitimate absences.
- Post-holiday fatigue – Many workers may delay taking time off until after the festive season.
- Mental wellbeing struggles – The “January blues” and financial stress after Christmas can contribute to absences.
The Cost of Workplace Absences
Employee sickness remains a growing concern for businesses. UK workers take an average of 7.8 sick days per year, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. The total cost to the economy is estimated at £43 billion annually.
While the UK’s absence rates are rising, they remain lower than some European nations — Germany, for example, averages 20 sick days per worker per year. But the figures suggest the need for businesses to track absences and invest in employee wellbeing strategies.
How Employers Can Prepare
With absence trends shifting, businesses may need to rethink their approach to workplace wellbeing. Strategies to reduce disruption include:
- Noting absence trends – Identifying peak sick days and planning resources accordingly.
- Enhancing employee wellbeing support – Providing mental health resources, flu vaccinations, and flexible working options.
- Improving absence management – Using data-driven systems to monitor patterns and respond proactively.
While National Sickie Day may not be the crisis it’s often portrayed to be, absence patterns remain a challenge for employers. Understanding trends and supporting staff wellbeing can help businesses manage seasonal spikes while maintaining productivity.