A significant study highlights the commonality of ‘fake emergencies’ used by Britons for taking sick leave.
- Over three-quarters of full-time employed Britons admitted to taking at least one day off under false pretences in a year.
- The majority cited self-inflicted hangovers and the desire for a ‘duvet day’ as primary motivations.
- Common excuses among employees include diarrhoea, sick pets, and urgent hospital visits.
- Industry experts discuss the economic impact of such absenteeism and potential solutions.
The results of a comprehensive study have disclosed that a substantial 77% of Britons in full-time employment have taken a day off work using a ‘fake emergency’ excuse. This research aimed to understand the prevalence and reasons behind such absences, bringing attention to the widespread nature of this practice.
Among those who confessed to fabricating reasons for taking time off, 41% cited a self-inflicted hangover as the primary cause. Additionally, 23% simply wanted a ‘duvet day,’ a day spent at home for leisure rather than attending work. These motivations reflect a broader trend of individuals prioritising personal time over professional obligations.
The survey further uncovered the most common excuses given by employees to justify absences. Notably, 27% of respondents used diarrhoea or a stomach bug as a reason, 18% cited a sick pet or a necessary visit to the vet, and 13% claimed to have an urgent hospital appointment. Other less frequent excuses included car breakdowns at 9% and migraines at 7%. Such reasons are chosen to avoid scrutiny from employers and colleagues due to their sensitive or immediate nature.
Interestingly, 64% of those who admitted to using false excuses stated it occurred only once in the past year, though 17% acknowledged doing so between two and five times. Despite this, only 22% felt their deceit was suspected by employers or co-workers, indicating a level of confidence in the excuses provided.
Analysis from industry insiders like George Charles highlights the cultural acceptance of using ‘sickies’ within the workplace. He points out that ailments like diarrhoea are particularly effective as they discourage further questioning. Meanwhile, Adrian Lewis from Activ Absence emphasises the economic cost, estimating that such absenteeism could cost the UK up to £29 billion annually. Implementing comprehensive absence management systems could potentially reduce this figure significantly by 20-30%.
Addressing the issue of false sick leave claims could lead to significant economic benefits for the UK.
