Ok I just had 2 of my staff call out sick. They are both Gen Zs. I rarely call in sick (I’m a Gen Xer). Is it just me, or are Gen Zers more likely to get sick than other generations? Or maybe they just call out more easily?

I think the younger generation is less tolerant of the way employers treat them. I am not a Gen Z, but even I had times where I had to take mental health days because my department was so toxic. Yes, I do think we should be thankful to have a job and all that, but employees are treated like numbers most of the time and it gets to the point where I think people have begun to value their free time and self respect over a couple of extra bucks. Just my 2 cents.

I don't think they're any more likely to get sick. I just think they're more willing to prioritize their health over their job. Which is probably something all of us should be shooting for. It's just far easier to do when you're young without a lot of responsibilities.

Or maybe your expecting too much. As a gen xer myself, i felt pressured to work sick, including infectious; I missed births. Funerals. Vacations. Time off. I have whole years where I didnt take 52 days off the whole year, I took less than a day a week. I’m 6 decades in, can’t get that time back, and surely don’t know what I have left. While your generational observation seems to imply that sickness skips our generation (it doesn’t), I’m reminded that my grandfather’s generation fought for better working conditions, a fight that has all but disappeared. I hope the younger generations work to fulfill themselves. We work to live in an industry that clearly has it backwards.
Maybe think it thru a little more before posting.

It's not a badge of honor to put your job before your own well-being. Gen Z have learned that work isn't all there is in life, especially when that work often no longer afford them things like a home and family. We deserve rest, especially when we are sick.

Everyone i know is sick..including. me..if you live anywhere near south Texas covid has made a comeback stronger then ever..and it's lasting for more than 10 days before you can recover,,and it's going around faster than fire in a hay field....

Personally, I also understand that we are more likely to call out when managers don’t approve time off (that is given well in advance.) More than likely they are both sick from season changes and stomach bug season starting as well. But, I would also keep in mind that if we know that you will not give us a day off (when you very much can) it’s easier to just call out. Coming from a worker who’s boss will not give me a day off two months in advance.

Gen Z here. I agree with others that have said that Gen Z gives more priority to actually living life, however it's a balancing act. Success comes with hard work....it is seldom handed to anyone on a silver platter. I do think that Gen Z is sometimes guilty of leaning too far to one side. Some, not all seem to let the slightest thing upset their apple cart (so-to-speak). Some seem adverse to even attempting to work hard, preferring to do the bare minimum. Others, are sometimes guilty of having a sense of entitlement because they were given so many advantages from a young age. Both generations have something that can be learned from the other. Again, life should be about maintaining a balance for everyone.

Hire me, I’ll rarely call off.

However, you should never judge someone's situation without exact knowledge of their personal life. Calling out should come with less judgment, bc your life is worth far more than a silly job. Just my thoughts

There's a lot of differences in work ethics between individuals these days..

Bottle flu?

They actually care to take care of themselves and not put their life off for a company that doesn't care. Z acknowledges that corporations view employees as expendable and instead of allowing themselves to be, they set boundaries within the legal terms of the contract they work under, and are not tolerant to coercion of anything more than the terms by which they are employed.

I relate. Sometimes people are sick, and sometimes people are lazy and think "i can call in for me-time. they cant stop me"
I think that if you develop relationships with your staff, you'll gain instinct on their character and know deep in your knowing who you can rely on and who you might not