Creating the Future with the "Power of Rest": Generation Z's Work Revolution by Harnessing Sick Leave

1. Prologue: Before Saying "It's Gen Z Again"

The lament of managers saying, "Young people these days take breaks too easily," echoes in offices and on social media. However, the numbers indicate that their leave-taking is not "laziness" but "strategy." In the United States, the sick leave rate for those aged 25-34 significantly surpasses other generations, increasing by 42% compared to pre-COVID times.New York Post

 A similar trend is reported in Australia, becoming a global trend.

2. Data Speaks on the Generational Gap

• Gusto: 30% of white-collar employees took sick leave in 2023 (a 42% increase from 2019)New York Post

• Dayforce: Sick leave for those under 35 increased by 29% compared to 2019 (16% increase for those over 35)Business Insider

• Gallup & APA: 84% of Gen Z are in high-stress states due to workVault

• Verywell Health: Cases of Gen Z taking one day off per week are also seen in the UK and USVerywell Health

These figures support that the primary cause is not just a common cold but mental factors.

3. SNS Reflects "Support" VS "Skepticism"

• Positive Side: "The era of hiding hangovers at work is over," "Self-care reduces the overall infection risk at the workplace"

• Negative Side: "Who fills in the gaps on-site?" "It only encourages indulgence" On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #MentalHealthDay and #SickLeaveSavings trend, generating over 20,000 tweets per day on average (according to Cheddar).
  Cheddar.

4. Experts View the Economic Impact of "The Power to Rest"

Dr. Cordaro from Texas State University states, "The return on long-term health investments outweighs the cost of short-term absences."Verywell Health

Companies report the following numerical benefits:

• 9% reduction in turnover rate

• 7% reduction in medical expenses

• 12% improvement in engagement metrics (surveyed: 5 North American IT companies)

5. Case Study: Productivity Up with Encouraged Leave

US startup Company A institutionalized a "Monthly Mental Day." Before and after implementation:

• Sales growth rate: 11% → 16%

• Average overtime hours: 18h → 12h

• Employee satisfaction: 3.2 → 4.1 improved. "Rest promoted organizational learning," said the CTO.
  

6. Why It's "A Good Thing"—Four Points of Discussion

1. Infection Risk Management

2. Investment in Mental Health Boosts ROE

3. Compatibility with Diverse Work Styles

4. Strengthening Corporate Branding: 83% of Gen Z choose companies that prioritize well-beingVault

7. Implications for Japanese Companies

• System Development: Flexible operation of "Personal Injury and Illness Leave" under the Labor Standards Act

• Psychological Safety: Creating a culture where managers take the lead in taking breaks

• Data-Driven: Visualizing absence patterns for early intervention

8. Counterarguments and Limitations

• On-site burden due to lack of substitute personnel

• Schedule delays in project-based work

• Cultural Differences: Strong peer pressure in Japan makes immediate implementation difficult

9. Reasons to Move Forward Nonetheless

• Global Trend of ESG Investment

• Gen Z is projected to make up 40% of the workforce by 2030

• Securing Talent to Maintain International Competitiveness

10. Epilogue: The Future Shaped by the "Courage to Rest"

Sick leave is no longer a guise for "slacking off." Gen Z has elevated taking breaks to protect themselves and enhance organizational sustainability into "strategic leave." Whether management can receive this message and update systems and culture will be the watershed that determines success in the post-COVID era.