Record Number of Americans to Miss Work After Super Bowl

NEW YORK, N.Y. – A record-breaking number of Americans are expected to take Monday off following the Super Bowl, according to a recent survey by The Harris Poll.

The survey, commissioned by workplace solutions provider UKG, indicated that approximately 22.6 million Americans are planning to miss work on the Monday after the championship game. This figure marks the highest absentee estimate since UKG began tracking this trend.

Of those planning to miss work, just over half intend to formally request the day off. However, the report also revealed that an estimated 3.2 million individuals might fake an illness, while an equal number could choose to simply not show up, a practice known as “ghosting.” Julie Develin, a UKG executive, shared insights on the findings.

“Although a record number of employees plan to miss work on Monday, we continue to see forward progress with managers and employees having more open conversations about taking the day off, swapping shifts, or making arrangements to come in late so that the business is covered,” Develin stated.

The survey, which included responses from 1,220 employed adults, was extrapolated to the overall working population of approximately 161.7 million Americans, according to December data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The estimates were further adjusted for various demographic factors, including age, gender, region, and political affiliation.

The rate of individuals planning to be absent from work is also higher than in previous years. In 2024, 10% and in 2023, 12% reported similar plans; this year’s figure climbed to 14%.

Compounding the absenteeism issue is a rise in influenza cases across the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that flu activity remains elevated, with only a handful of states reporting low or minimal cases. However, the CDC did not provide specific information regarding sickness rates among fans of the participating teams, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.

One Eagles fan noted humorously during the game, “May be calling out sick tomorrow. Got that birds flu.”