As the UK prepares for another stretch of high temperatures, Google Trends data reveals a 113% rise in searches for “sickness absence” over the past 24 hours. This sharp increase has sparked debate about whether people are taking time off to enjoy the sun or whether deeper issues like burnout and rigid work cultures are the real cause. YuLife, a well-being and insurance provider, suggests the trend points to a workforce feeling constrained by inflexible leave policies and rising mental health pressures.
The Office for National Statistics reported that 148.9 million working days were lost to sickness or injury in 2024. This figure represents the highest ever recorded, averaging 4.4 days lost per worker. Although the overall absence rate declined slightly to 2.0% from 2.3% in 2023, mental health-related absences have increased significantly. Data from Access PeopleHR shows a 36.45% rise in mental health absences between 2019 and 2023, with younger workers and those in hybrid roles particularly affected. These patterns reinforce concerns raised by YuLife about burnout and limited flexibility pushing employees to use sick leave as a form of recovery.
Many workers now view sick days as one of the few acceptable ways to step back from work demands. The cost-of-living crisis, increased workloads, and limited annual leave flexibility contribute to rising stress levels. Access PeopleHR’s 2024 Sick Leave Report found a 7.6% decline in holiday entitlement usage from 2022 to 2023. Combined with soaring temperatures and lighter summer workloads, these factors increase the likelihood of staff calling in sick for relief.
Katie Howarth, Head of People at YuLife, said: “This isn’t just about sunbathing. It’s about control, burnout and flexibility. When people feel they can’t take legitimate time off, whether to rest, reset, or even just enjoy the weather, they’ll find other ways. The rising pressure of modern work culture means employees are increasingly using sick days as a proxy for rest, rather than actual illness.”
The trend is particularly noticeable in sectors involving public interaction. According to Access PeopleHR, real estate saw a 67% increase in sick leave between 2022 and 2023. This may reflect the strain of returning to in-person work. In the recruitment sector, sickness rates rose by 16% in the same period, although figures remain lower than in 2019 due to the continued use of hybrid work arrangements.
Employers who fail to respond to these patterns risk long-term consequences. The WTW 2024 Global Medical Trends Survey reported that 44% of UK employers observed employee burnout in 2023. The study links this to unclear boundaries between work and personal life in remote and hybrid work settings. If left unaddressed, burnout can lead to lower productivity, higher costs, and reduced staff morale.
To reduce unnecessary absences and support employee well-being, businesses are being urged to implement flexible policies and cultivate a culture where rest is respected alongside performance. By addressing the root causes of burnout and recognising the importance of recovery, employers can create a healthier and more engaged workforce, even during periods of extreme weather.