As the UK braces for another heatwave, new Google Trends data shows a 113% spike in searches for “sickness absence” in the last 24 hours, raising questions about whether some employees are calling in sick just to escape the grind and enjoy rare sunshine.
According to YuLife, the all-in-one insurance and wellbeing benefit provider, the data may signal more than a sun-chasing workforce; it could point to a deeper issue of burnout and a lack of flexibility in how we take time off.
It comes on the heels of ONS figures showing that 149 million working days were lost to sickness in 2024, the highest total ever recorded. While the overall absence rate has dipped slightly, mental health-related absences and signs of burnout are still surging, especially among younger and hybrid workers.
So what’s really going on?
For some employees, taking a sick day is no longer just about illness; it’s about finding moments of control in a culture where taking regular, guilt-free breaks often feels impossible. With the cost-of-living crisis, rising workloads, and inflexible leave structures, the traditional annual leave system just isn’t cutting it anymore. When people don’t feel safe or supported to take time off for wellbeing, they’ll find other ways, especially when the sun comes out.
What can employers do?
To tackle this trend head-on, employers need to take a more open and preventative approach to summer wellbeing. That starts with offering flexible weather working, whether that’s adjusting hours, working outdoors, or building in ‘sun leave’ for peak heat days.
More importantly, managers should encourage honest conversations about burnout and recovery. If summer workloads are typically lighter, why not proactively offer mental health days rather than risk covert absenteeism?
Gamified wellbeing tools and proactive check-ins can also help leaders spot patterns, from sick leave spikes to drops in engagement, and take action early. It’s not just about preventing sick days, it’s about creating a culture that values rest just as much as performance.
Katie Howarth, Head of People at YuLife, says:
“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 post Are Brits Pulling Sickies for Sunshine? Or Is Burnout on the Rise? Searches for ‘Sickness Absence’ Soar 113% first appeared on HR News.
