Most UK Employees Work Through Illness While Gen Z Takes Sick Days

A study reveals nearly nine in 10 British workers continue working while sick due to pressure, though younger staff take more time off.

NationPulse Desk

Oct 27, 2026 · 6:53 PM 4 min read

Key takeaways

Nearly nine in 10 workers have gone to work while unwell due to pressure or fear of not being ill enough.

A study of 2,000 workers found 25 per cent think taking time off for a cold or flu is unacceptable.

Gen Z workers are more likely to take a sick day than any other generation, with 21 per cent taking time off.

Only 10 per cent of workers always take sick leave when they are unwell, despite 74 per cent believing staying home is responsible.

Nearly nine out of 10 employees have gone to work while sick because they feel pressure to soldier on or worry they are not ill enough. A poll of 2,000 workers showed a quarter think taking time off for a cold or flu-like illness is unacceptable, and 58 per cent feel pushed to work through it.

More than one in 10, specifically 13 per cent, feel guilty when taking sick leave, while nine per cent worry about how others will perceive them. The survey also revealed that although 74 per cent consider staying home the most responsible choice for themselves and others, only 10 per cent always take sick leave when they feel unwell.

The study, commissioned by Olbas, found that Gen Z workers are more likely to take a sick day than any other generation. Experts claim these younger employees are doing the right thing. More than one in five respondents aged 18-29, or 21 per cent, tend to take a day off sick when unwell, along with 17 per cent of Millennials. This rate drops to just 11 per cent for Gen X and seven per cent for Boomers. Following the findings, the brand also created a quiz allowing users to find out their recovery generation based on their wellbeing approach.

Dr Roger Henderson, an NHS GP and spokesperson for Olbas who is collaborating on its Winter Recovery Report exploring how Britain recovers from seasonal illness, said, "The research points towards a winter recovery gap." He added, "The issue isn't simply whether people know they should rest, it's about feeling able to give yourself permission to do so." He also stated, "'Powering through' work when we feel unwell can become deeply ingrained, so we convince ourselves that because a medicine has made us feel better, or because we can get through the working day, we must be well enough to carry on. However, symptom relief and recovery aren't necessarily the same thing."

The research additionally showed that 25 per cent of all workers polled would rather keep working unless they are seriously unwell, and 12 per cent frequently dismiss symptoms as just a cold. Yet 72 per cent admitted they worry about passing illnesses to colleagues if they keep working. Furthermore, 70 per cent feel times are changing and believe older generations faced more pressure to work through illnesses than workers do today. While 73 per cent of Gen Z said taking sick leave for cold or flu-like symptoms is acceptable in their workplace, that figure drops to 53 per cent for Gen X.

Carried out via OnePoll, the research found 22 per cent said knowing how best to manage their symptoms would make them more confident about when to rest and recover. Another 21 per cent would like to know which medicines or remedies could help relieve their symptoms. Currently, 62 per cent said drinking plenty of fluids helps them recover, 60 per cent rely on getting enough sleep, and 56 per cent ensure they get enough rest. Almost half, or 47 per cent, take over-the-counter cold or flu remedies, and 30 per cent use a decongestant when congested.

Dr Roger Henderson added, "Rest, sleep and hydration are some of the best things people can do to help themselves recover. It's important to listen to how you're actually feeling rather than using symptom relief as a signal that you're completely recovered. Over-the-counter medicines can have an important role in easing symptoms, but they should always be used as directed according to the label, and a pharmacist can help you choose an appropriate treatment if you're unsure what's best for you. Simple measures can also help with individual symptoms, for example, warm drinks can soothe a sore throat, natural decongestants can help to ease a blocked nose, and keeping hydrated can help when you're dealing with respiratory symptoms. There's also some evidence for using the herbal ingredient Pelargonium, as some studies suggest that Pelargonium extract may reduce the severity of an acute cough and may help symptoms resolve somewhat sooner. Ultimately though, recovery isn't about doing absolutely nothing whenever you have a sniffle, but is all about recognising when your body needs you to slow down."

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