Record 22.6 Million U.S. Employees Skip Work After Super Bowl LIX, Eagles’ 40-22 Victory Sparks Absenteeism Surge

As the Philadelphia Eagles celebrate their thrilling 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, U.S. businesses are facing a record number of absentees today. According to a recent UKG survey, an estimated 22.6 million U.S. employees have opted to miss work after the big game, surpassing last year’s 16.1 million absentees and breaking the previous record of 18.8 million set in 2023. This surge in absenteeism follows a Super Bowl that was as memorable for its lopsided score as for the victory itself.

The Eagles’ win not only secured their second Super Bowl title in franchise history but also prevented the Chiefs from achieving a historic three-peat. At one point in the game, the Eagles led 34-0, a commanding margin that showcased their dominance on both sides of the ball. The Chiefs mounted a late rally but ultimately fell short. The Eagles’ victory has set off celebrations across the country, with many employees choosing to take the day off to recover, celebrate, or simply rest after the high-stakes game.

In Philadelphia, the festivities will continue this week with the Eagles’ victory parade taking place on Friday, February 14 — Valentine’s Day, in the city of brotherly love. Thousands of fans are expected to flood the streets to celebrate their team’s hard-fought victory.

The UKG survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, sheds light on the creative ways employees are managing to take the day off after the Super Bowl:

• Pre-Approved Time Off: 12.9 million employees have scheduled the day off in advance.
• Calling in Sick: Approximately 3.2 million employees plan to call in sick, regardless of their health status.
• “Ghosting” Employers: Another 3.2 million employees intend to skip work without notifying their employers.
• Shift Swapping: 4.8 million employees have arranged to swap shifts with colleagues to avoid working today.

Additionally, 12.9 million employees plan to arrive late to work. With so many employees taking time off, the survey shows an evolving trend in workplace communication:

• Pre-Request Discussions: 68% of employees discuss time-off plans with their managers before submitting requests, up from 62% in 2024.
• Manager Initiatives: 58% of managers who plan to watch the Super Bowl have proactively inquired about their employees’ time-off plans, an increase from 51% in 2024.
• Comfort in Requests: 55% of employees feel comfortable asking their managers for time off the Monday after the Super Bowl, compared to 50% in 2023.

These findings suggest that while absenteeism is at an all-time high, there is a growing openness between employees and employers when it comes to time-off requests. The survey also reveals that 43% of employed Americans believe the Monday after the Super Bowl should be a national holiday, up from 37% in 2024. Moreover, 56% of Super Bowl viewers wish their organizations would grant them the day off following the game.

As businesses navigate the impact of Super Bowl LIX, these insights into employee absenteeism and workplace dynamics provide valuable information for workforce planning and management. The high number of absentees could signal the growing importance of finding ways to accommodate such events, especially as millions of employees take the day to celebrate or recover after an unforgettable game.