Playing Hooky

July 28 2005 - An absenteeism survey conducted for Hudson showed that nearly a third (30%) of US workers admitted to taking a 'sick' day when they were not ill.

Almost half (49%) of the employees who played hooky said they did so because they needed a break, while 22% said they took the time off to care for an ill family member. Younger workers (aged 18-29) and those earning less than $20,000 a year were the most likely to pretend to be sick at 43% and 37%, respectively.

But feigning sickness is not prevalent - most (77%) of all employees who fake being sick do so only on rare occasions. A mere 6% admit to doing it more than three times a year.

It is interesting to note that a surprising 41% of those who have played hooky thought that their bosses knew they were not actually sick. Women (53%) were more confident of getting away with the practice than men (46%), with 55% of single workers also more confident than married employees (45%).

"With the busy pace of today's working environment, employees are taking matters into their own hands to combat stress and take care of their families, often with the tacit approval of their manager," says Alicia Barker, vice- president of human resources, Hudson North America. "While this practice may reduce employees' concerns about breaking the rules, managers can also help by advocating a healthy work/life balance, time management training and stronger personal time policies."

Intriguingly, nearly twice as many women (25%) as men (13%) under the age of 40 falsely called in sick due to a family member's illness. There was less of a difference between genders among people over 40, with 27% of women and 22% of men admitting to the practice. Altogether, the 40-49 age group had the highest incidence for family care at 30%, probably reflecting the dual challenge of caring for children and aging parents.

Have called in sick when they were not Called in more than 3 times a year Think that their bosses knew Did so due to a sick family member

All Workers 30% 6% 41% 22%

Men 29% 8% 44% 19%

Women 31% 5% 37% 26%

Ages 18-39 37% 7% 43% 24%

Ages 40-49 24% 3% 33% 30%

A more detailed data report is available at www.hudson-index.com. The Hudson absenteeism survey is based on a national poll of 2,202 U.S. workers compiled by Rasmussen Reports, LLC, an independent research firm

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