UAE jobs: Why are Gen Z workers are taking more sick leaves? Career experts weigh in

Dubai-based career coach Zeta Yarwood suggests the increase in sick leave usage points to underlying issues within company cultures.

“If employees are taking more sick days, either they are genuinely sick or then the company has to ask why. Or they don’t want to come to work, and again, the question is why,” she told Arabian Business, adding that high workload pressure and limited resources could contribute to this pattern.

Rise in sick leave among Gen Z signals workplace culture shift

“The more sick leave people take, the less people feel a sense of team and motivation/productivity decline. Companies will need to look at culture transformation to regain employee trust and ways to create an environment that encourages employee motivation and a sense of belonging,” she said.

Echoing the sentiment, Noona Nafousi, the founder of Neo Noor, attributes this trend to Gen Z’s awareness of mental health.

“They know when they’re reaching their breaking point and are more likely to take time off to avoid burnout. While this can temporarily affect productivity, in the long run, it leads to a healthier, more engaged workforce. Prioritising health over pushing through sickness is a shift that could benefit all generations,” Nafousi added.

So, what can companies do to motivate Gen Z employees?

According to a report by Deloitte titled ‘Welcome to Gen Z’, Gen Z is about to overtake Millennials as the largest generation globally, representing over one-third of the world’s population. As these Gen Z workers begin their careers and gain purchasing power, they will become key consumers of goods and services.

“Understanding what matters to Gen Z will be critical to the success of companies in attracting the members and organisations in the future,” the report said, adding that their entry into employment comes during a period of workforce contraction.

Hence, companies must adapt their approaches to retain Gen Z talent, both experts advised.

“Fulfilled employees don’t take sick days. If people enjoy their jobs, many will still come to work unless they are seriously ill. What do employees need to be happy? They want to know what they do matters,” Yarwood said, adding that employees often seek purpose, teamwork, and recognition, alongside fair compensation.

Moreover, COVID-19 had a deep influence on Gen Z’s workplace expectations, she explained, adding that the pandemic “shook” people’s value systems.

“Many woke up to the realisation they were working long hours, in a job or company they disliked, often being mistreated or taken advantage of, all for a pay cheque. The threat of job loss as the pandemic eased unfortunately scared people back to work under the same conditions as before, but Gen Z are holding their ground, quitting quickly if their values aren’t being met.”

Nafousi also explained that transparency and trust are “essential” at workplaces. “When employees feel trusted to take sick days without guilt or suspicion, they’re more likely to return to work refreshed and productive. By creating flexible work environments and encouraging open communication about mental health, companies can ensure employees take the time they need without affecting overall efficiency,” she concluded.

Unlike their millennial predecessors, Gen Z demonstrates greater focus on long-term career planning. This shift requires organisations to modify their retention strategies.

“Gen Z has access to endless information about career paths, development strategies, and personal growth. They’re planning ahead and expect employers to offer clear progression opportunities,” she said.

“Companies to date have focused primarily on current performance. Gen Z aren’t focused on just getting to the next level – they want a long-term plan, Yarwood added.

To bridge generational gaps, experts recommend implementing intergenerational mentorship programmes. “Group acknowledgement and appreciation of what different generations are bringing to the table and exploring how they can support each other can help prevent an “us vs them” culture,” Yarwood said.

However, the future workplace might see substantial changes due to Gen Z’s influence. Yarwood suggests that traditional eight-hour workdays might evolve, noting that “research has shown most people are only productive for 3 of them.”

In addition, Nafousi said, Gen Z’s influence will likely create a more sustainable, health-conscious workplace culture. “They’re the first generation with instant access to mental health resources and understand exactly what tips them over the edge. This will push companies to adopt practices that prioritize long-term employee well-being, leading to healthier workplaces where work-life balance is more than just a buzzword—it’s a standard,” she concluded.