It’s the Monday after Super Bowl LVIII, and if you’re feeling less than productive, you’re in good company. Millions of Americans are expected to call out sick, leading to a significant hit to workplace productivity and raising the question: Should the day after the Super Bowl be a national holiday, boosting worker morale and offsetting this widespread absenteeism? The economic impact could be significant, as The Conference Board estimates that unscheduled absences cost employers roughly $1,800 per employee annually.
Key Takeaways
- An estimated 26.2 million U.S. employees are anticipated to miss work the Monday after the Super Bowl, costing companies billions in lost productivity.
- Gen Z and Millennials are the most likely generations to call in sick after the Super Bowl, with over 27% of Gen Z admitting to doing so.
- Offering flexible work arrangements, like half-days or floating holidays, could help employers manage absenteeism and improve employee morale.
- The economic impact of making the day after the Super Bowl a national holiday could be substantial, with potential benefits for employee well-being and productivity over the long term.
Why Are So Many People Calling in Sick?
The phenomenon known as “Super Sick Monday” is driven by a combination of factors. Many people attend Super Bowl parties, leading to late nights, disrupted sleep schedules, and, for some, overindulgence in food and drinks. This can result in post-game hangovers and general fatigue, making it difficult to perform effectively at work. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, sleep deprivation significantly impacts cognitive function and productivity, costing U.S. businesses an estimated $63.2 billion per year. Beyond the physical effects, the emotional letdown after the excitement of the game can also contribute to decreased motivation and a desire to take a day off. Amanda Augustine, resident career expert for TopResume, suggests employers acknowledge this reality and offer support, stating in a press release, “Instead of forcing employees to power through, employers can get ahead of it by offering simple, creative support, like reminding staff about floating holidays, encouraging half-days for die-hard fans, or even providing small perks like breakfast or coffee to help people ease back into the workweek.”
What Would Be the Impact of Making It a Holiday?
Turning the day after the Super Bowl into a national holiday could have several positive impacts. First, it could reduce unscheduled absences and increase overall productivity. Employees would no longer need to call in sick, and those who might have dragged themselves to work while feeling unwell could instead rest and recover, returning to work refreshed and more focused the following day. Second, it could boost employee morale and job satisfaction. Recognizing the cultural significance of the Super Bowl and giving employees a day to celebrate or recover shows that companies value their well-being. A study by SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) found that employees who feel valued and supported by their employers are more engaged and productive. Third, it could provide a boost to the economy through increased spending on leisure and entertainment activities. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that creating a new federal holiday could result in significant costs to the economy due to lost output and productivity across various industries. The debate centers around whether the benefits of a more rested and engaged workforce outweigh the potential economic drawbacks.
Products/Companies Mentioned
- UKG – A technology company providing HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions, known for its annual Super Bowl Absenteeism Survey, with over 13,000 employees and serving customers in over 120 countries.
- TopResume – A resume writing service company, offering professional resume writing, cover letter writing, and LinkedIn profile optimization, with a team of certified professional resume writers.
- The Conference Board – A member-driven think tank that delivers trusted insights for what’s ahead.
What This Means
- For Employers: Consider offering flexible work arrangements or floating holidays to accommodate employees who may be tired or hungover after the Super Bowl. This can improve morale and reduce unscheduled absences, potentially offsetting lost productivity.
- For Employees: Plan ahead and use your vacation or sick days wisely if you anticipate needing a day off after the Super Bowl. Communicate with your employer in advance to avoid any negative consequences.
- For the Economy: The potential economic impact of making the day after the Super Bowl a national holiday should be carefully considered, weighing the costs of lost productivity against the benefits of a more rested and engaged workforce. “The question is whether the boost in morale and potential long-term productivity gains outweigh the short-term costs to businesses,” according to economist Dr. Lisa Barrington at NBER (National Bureau of Economic Research).
