Half of Those Do So to Take a 'Mental Health Day'
NEW YORK, July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nearly one in three
(30 percent) U.S. workers admits to taking a sick day when they are not truly
sick, according to a new Hudson survey. Half of those who play hooky
(49 percent) do so simply because they need a break -- the most common reason
cited -- and 22 percent do so to care for an ill family member. Workers aged
18-29 and those making under $20,000 a year were among the most likely to
feign sickness at 43 percent and 37 percent, respectively.
However, this practice is not all that commonplace, as a large majority
(77 percent) of all workers who fake being sick only do so on rare occasions
and just six percent do it more than three times a year. With three-quarters
(76 percent) of U.S. workers rating their firms as excellent or good in
providing personal time, the infrequency is likely because many companies
already have satisfactory systems in place.
Surprisingly, of those who have played hooky, two in five (41 percent)
believe that their bosses knew they were not actually sick. Generally, women
are more likely to think they are getting away with the practice compared to
men (53 percent compared to 46 percent), as well as single workers more than
married ones (55 percent compared to 45 percent).
"With the busy pace of today's working environment, employees are taking
matters into their own hands to combat stress and take care of their families,
often with the tacit approval of their manager," says Alicia Barker, vice-
president of human resources, Hudson North America. "While this practice may
reduce employees' concerns about breaking the rules, managers can also help by
advocating a healthy work/life balance, time management training and stronger
personal time policies."
Interestingly, almost twice as many women as men under the age of 40
falsely call in sick due to a family member's illness (25 percent compared to
13 percent). The gap narrows among the genders over age 40, with 27 percent
of women and 22 percent of men reporting this practice. Combined, the 40-49
age group had the highest incidence for family care at 30 percent, likely
reflecting the dual challenge of caring for children and aging parents.
All Workers Men Women Ages 18-39 Ages 40-49
Have called in
sick when they
weren't 30% 29% 31% 37% 24%
Called in more
than 3 times a
year 6% 8% 5% 7% 3%
Think that their
bosses knew 41% 44% 37% 43% 33%
Did so due to
a sick family
member 22% 19% 26% 24% 30%
*A more detailed data report is available at http://www.hudson-index.com .
The Hudson absenteeism survey is based on a national poll of 2,202 U.S.
workers and was compiled by Rasmussen Reports, LLC, an independent research
firm ( http://www.RasmussenReports.com ).
Hudson, one of the world's leading professional staffing, outsourcing and
human capital solution providers, also publishes the Hudson Employment
Index(SM), a monthly measure of the U.S. workforce's confidence in the
employment market. Next month's Hudson Employment Index SM will be released
on August 3, 2005.
Hudson
Hudson delivers specialized professional staffing, outsourcing and human
capital solutions worldwide. From single placements to total solutions, the
firm attracts, selects and develops talent to meet the specific business needs
of each client. Global practice areas include Accounting & Finance;
Engineering, Operations & Scientific; Human Resources; IT &
Telecommunications; Legal; and Sales & Marketing.
Hudson is a division of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: HHGP) one of
the world's leading professional staffing, retained executive search and human
capital solution providers. More information is available at
http://www.Hudson.com .
SOURCE Hudson
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Related links:
http://www.hudson.com
http://www.hudson-index.com
CONTACT:
Nikki Leonardi, of Hudson, +1-813-890-7521,
or nikki.leonardi@hudson.com ; or Sarah Kafenstok, of Ogilvy
Public Relations, +1-312-397-6025, or
sarah.kafenstok@ogilvypr.com
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