As winter approaches, so does the dreaded cold and flu season. For employers, this time of year often translates into more sick days, decreased productivity, and increased healthcare costs. But there’s a way to help reduce the impact on your team. Explore the data on workplace sick days and how investing in fitness and wellness benefits can keep your workforce healthy and productive during flu season and beyond.
A Not-so-Healthy New Year
It’s no surprise that as the temperatures drop, employee sick days tend to rise. The colder months force us indoors, where bacteria and viruses can spread more easily. On top of that, the dry winter air helps germs linger in the air longer, increasing the chance of illness.
Given these factors, it’s little wonder that January is the sickest month for workers, with 5% of full-time employees calling out sick. Some groups are particularly affected: women tend to report more health-related absences than men, and seniors are more likely than younger adults to miss work for health reasons.
The High Cost of Sick Days
Sick days are a fact of workplace life, and absenteeism’s financial toll can’t be ignored. In 2024, most workers had access to paid sick time: 79% in private companies and 92% in state and local government jobs. On average, workers get about 8 days of paid sick leave per year.
How much time does the average person take? Data from 2024 shows a wide range. While 24% of workers didn’t take any sick days, 17% took between 2 and 3 days, and 11% took 4 to 5 days. These numbers might seem small, but they can add up quickly. The financial cost of employee absences can be substantial when considering lost wages, benefits, and productivity. One analysis found that, on average, a shift worker’s personal illness costs a company roughly $800 a year. Extrapolate this to a company with hundreds of employees, and the potential cost can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Fighting Sick Days with Fitness
Wellness programs, especially those focused on physical and mental health, can be powerful tools for reducing sick days. A recent PEAR survey found that 33% of HR leaders saw a significant drop in sick days after implementing fitness and wellness benefits. Another survey showed that 56% of employees who participated in wellness programs had fewer sick days. Other studies show that physically active workers lose 14 fewer work days per year compared to their sedentary colleagues.
Here’s how exercise can help reduce sick days:
- Boosts immune function: Moderate exercise increases the circulation of white blood cells, which help the body fight off infections.
- Reduces Stress: Physical activity helps reduce stress hormones, which can weaken the immune system.
- Lowers inflammation: Chronic inflammation can weaken immune defenses, leaving employees more vulnerable to illness. Exercise helps regulate inflammatory responses, improving overall health.
- Enhances respiratory health: Aerobic exercise can improve lung function and resilience, reducing susceptibility to respiratory infections such as colds or flu.
- Improves Sleep: Exercise can enhance sleep quality, allowing the body to rest and repair itself.
- Enhances Mood: Regular workouts can boost mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, which can negatively impact overall health.
Beyond Fitness: The Impact of Mental Health on Absenteeism
Mental health is often overlooked when discussing absenteeism, yet it’s critical. One in five employers offers mental health days above and beyond regular sick leave. Employees facing stress, anxiety, or depression are more likely to call in sick. Wellness benefits including mental health resources, such as counseling or mindfulness and meditation programs, can improve employee well-being and reduce absenteeism.
Aaptiv: Helping Create a Healthier Workforce Year-Round
Aaptiv’s all-in-one, affordable solution offers seamless administration, tracks employee engagement, and delivers personalized programs tailored to every fitness level. With an extensive selection of over 10,000 on-demand classes spanning 16 fitness and wellness categories, plus access to a network of over 20,000 national and local gyms, employees get exactly what they want and need to improve their health throughout the year.
Learn more about Aaptiv employee fitness and wellness benefit solutions.
