Is stress making us skive? In 2025, a growing number of UK workers are using sick days to switch off rather than booking annual leave, according to the latest report, ‘Employment Uncovered’ by Employment Hero. It turns out, 28% of employees admitted to faking a sick day—even though they weren’t ill. The cause? Burnout and feeling mentally exhausted topped the list.
Despite the pressures of the year, nearly 70% of people reported enjoying their jobs, showcasing resilience in tough times. December was the most popular month for taking actual holiday, likely due to festive plans. Long weekends remain a favourite, with Fridays and Mondays being the top days off.
Shockingly, 44% of workers felt compelled to stay connected to their jobs even during official holidays. Kevin Fitzgerald, UK Managing Director at Employment Hero, highlighted the tough year faced by many due to rising costs and pressures to remain ‘always-on.’ He underscores the need for change, noting the importance of recognising employee resilience while helping businesses provide better support in 2026.
This trend calls for a much-needed conversation around balancing work-life dynamics. Are you using all your annual leave or falling into the ‘fake sick day’ trend? Let us know your thoughts! #WorkLifeBalance #Burnout #UKJobs #MentalHealthMatters