Key findings from the second annual Time Away Study1 released by Aflac, the leading provider of health supplemental insurance in the U.S.,2 reveal the significant physical, mental and professional challenges faced by employees who assume additional work when a co-worker is on leave. The study highlights the critical role that planning, communication and recognition play in maintaining employee well-being and productivity during these critical periods. The findings underscore the importance of proactive leave coverage strategies and offer actionable recommendations for both businesses and their workers.
According to the 2025 Aflac Time Away Study:
- 41% of employees experienced burnout when a co-worker’s leave period extended beyond eight weeks.1
- Mental well-being dropped 11 percentage points while covering for a peer.1
- 27% of employees who were diagnosed with a new health condition during or after their coverage period attributed it to the increased workload.1
- 18% of workers say a preexisting condition worsened while covering for a peer.1
- 73% of employees experienced at least moderate workplace stress or anxiety while covering for a peer.1
- 29% of employees said they did not receive any recognition for their additional work even though 95% of leaders say they have access to recognition tools.1
- 67% of those newly diagnosed with a health condition while covering for a peer took time off to care for themselves.1
Aflac’s study emphasizes the need for employers to adopt proactive leave and time away management practices to mitigate the risks of burnout and negative impacts on employee morale. As part of its ongoing efforts to support businesses and their employees, Aflac urges employers to take a more holistic approach to leave management — safeguarding access to time away and ensuring robust plans are in place to address the well-being of employees for the continued success of business operations. Proactive planning and clear communication, alongside recognition and support, can minimize the physical and mental impact on employees and foster a healthier, more productive work environment.
“We know that in today’s environment, employers are increasingly cognizant of providing a better workplace for their employees, but this study reveals that the challenges of covering for a co-worker on leave can have a significant impact on productivity,” said Jenny Merrithew, vice president, Marketplace Solutions at Aflac. “To ensure there is balance in time away programs and productivity, employers should take steps and create a strategy to support the long-term well-being of employees, especially during periods where they are covering for a co-worker on leave. The strategy should include clear communication, regular check-ins, and tools and support to help prevent employee burnout and boost their engagement.”
Similar to business continuity planning for disasters, building robust leave contingency plans that foster a culture of consistency, communication, recognition and support for employees taking on additional work could reduce the overall impacts identified in the study. This work can shape and inform how employers can remain competitive with time away benefits and minimize the impact to productivity and well-being in the workplace.
“What we discovered through this research is that leaders may not be aware of the toll that longer leave coverage takes on their employees, especially on tenured employees who may appear better equipped to manage the increased workload,” said JR Shamley, senior vice president of National Accounts Business Development and Growth Solutions at Aflac. “Leaders should ensure workers are supported, recognized and rewarded equally and commensurate with the amount of additional work that’s expected of them.”
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