May 30, 2025 from Benefits Canada
Faking Sick for Sun and Social Plans
Summer may be peak vacation season, but for many employees, the pressure to perform at work doesn’t take time off. According to a new survey by Dayforce Inc., 40% of employees admitted they’ve called in sick — even when not ill — just to extend a weekend or attend a social event.
The survey, which polled over 2,000 full-time workers in North America and the U.K., including 479 Canadian respondents, highlights a growing tension: while 79% of employees say better work-life balance would improve their well-being, the same number report feeling obligated to maintain full productivity through the summer months.
Stealthy Strategies to Carve Out Time
To make the most of the season, many employees are bending the rules. Nearly half (47%) said they log off or leave work early, while 45% extend their lunch breaks. Some are more discreet — 34% use messaging apps to appear available while offline, and another 34% leave early on Fridays without informing their manager.
Others go so far as to work in secret. Though only 16% missed family or friend time due to work during vacation, 15% admitted to working without telling anyone while away. And interestingly, 11% of respondents pretended to be sick — not to rest, but to get work done instead of relaxing.
The Vacation Disconnect is Slipping
The number of Canadian workers who fully disconnect from work while on vacation is declining steadily. In 2023, half of respondents said they unplugged during time off. By 2024, it had dropped to 42%. In 2025, only 39% say they completely disconnect.
Financial and workload concerns are major factors. Among workers who said they don’t expect to take vacation at all this year, 28% cited affordability, 20% said they were too busy, and 18% said they lacked enough vacation days.
A Summer Balancing Act
The findings underscore a growing challenge for employers: even as workers crave flexibility, they’re hesitant to fully step away. And when formal time off feels out of reach, they may resort to less transparent ways to recharge. Balancing productivity with seasonal downtime — and creating a culture that supports real rest — may be the key to a healthier, more honest workplace this summer.
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