Business
Aflac study reveals the impact of paid leave on employers and employees
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 pr
About this update from Aflac Incorporated
[{"type":"text","content":"Nearly 3 in 4 employees experience workplace stress or anxiety while covering for a peer1","length":94,"tagName":"p","attribs":{}},{"type":"text","content":"COLUMBUS, Ga., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.","length":674,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"According to the 2025 Aflac Time Away Study:","length":44,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"list","items":[{"val":[{"type":"text","content":"41% of employees experienced burnout when a co-worker's leave period extended beyond eight weeks.1","length":102,"tagName":"p"}]},{"val":[{"type":"text","content":"Mental well-being dropped 11 percentage points while covering for a peer.1","length":74,"tagName":"p"}]},{"val":[{"type":"text","content":"27% of employees who were diagnosed with a new health condition during or after their coverage period attributed it to the increased workload.1","length":143,"tagName":"p"}]},{"val":[{"type":"text","content":"18% of workers say a preexisting condition worsened while covering for a peer.1","length":79,"tagName":"p"}]},{"val":[{"type":"text","content":"73% of employees experienced at least moderate workplace stress or anxiety while covering for a peer.1","length":102,"tagName":"p"}]},{"val":[{"type":"text","content":"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","length":155,"tagName":"p"}]},{"val":[{"type":"text","content":"67% of those newly diagnosed with a health condition while covering for a peer took time off to care for themselves.1","length":117,"tagName":"p"}]}],"tagName":"ul","bulletedList":true,"length":772,"olType":false},{"type":"text","content":"Aflac's study emphasizes the need for employers to ado...