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People are being warned that if they take Monday or Friday off work, they could have what is being dubbed the ‘Weekend Flu’. Many people feel a mysterious illness creeping in just as the weekend wraps up – or begins – and if this is you you’re not alone.
Whether it’s a bad case of the Sunday scaries or just needing to recover from a weekend of partying, the so-called ‘Weekend Flu’ could in fact be a bigger issue – burnout. It turns out, that dodging work on these days might be less about having an actual bug, and more about mental exhaustion, stress, and unhappiness at work.
What Is ‘Weekend Flu’?
The ‘Weekend Flu’ refers to employees who frequently call in sick on Mondays or Fridays. Dr Claire Merrifield, GP and Medical Director at Selph, explains that for some, it’s more than just dreading the start of the week or being lazy about heading into the office.
“People suffering from stress, burnout, or anxiety often find it harder to face work on a Monday morning,” she says. “By the time Friday rolls around, they might be so mentally exhausted that they just need a break.”
Sick of work or seriously sick?
So, why do so many of us fall ill when the weekend comes to an end? Dr. Merrifield says that beyond mental health issues like anxiety, this pattern can be linked to a toxic work environment or feeling unfulfilled in your job.
She explains: “If someone is frequently calling in sick after the weekend or post-payday, it might indicate dissatisfaction at work”. But rather than giving people into trouble, “a compassionate conversation could help uncover the root of the issue and address it before it becomes a bigger problem.”
What are the ‘weekend flu’ warning signs?
Stress, heavy workloads, and feeling unappreciated can all play a part in why employees are calling in sick just when the week is about to start. Dr Merrifield points to several other red flags when it comes to spotting absenteeism patterns that could spell trouble. High sick leave rates during crunch times, post-holiday ‘comedown’ crashes, and even whole teams taking time off simultaneously might suggest something more serious at play.
“Employees who start taking sick leave out of the blue or during high-stress periods are often feeling overwhelmed by the workload or the culture of the workplace. Stress can weaken your immune system, making you more prone to illness during busy times,” she adds.
I feel burnt out at work, what should I do?
What’s the answer if you think you’ve caught a case of the ‘Weekend Flu’? Employers need to create an environment where employees feel comfortable opening up about stress and burnout. Oliver Higenbottam, Managing Director of staff leave software Timetastic, recommends businesses need to start looking at the data to help spot trends before they become costly issues.
But for employees, if you’re finding yourself constantly battling the ‘Weekend Flu,’ it might be time to look at your work-life balance. Are you just sick of work? Or is something else making you dread the start of the week?
I’m struggling. Who can I contact for help?
If you are struggling with your mental health, you can call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours. You can also text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text “YM” if you’re under 19.
If you’re under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill. These services will only share your information if they are very worried about you or think you are in immediate danger.
If you need immediate help, you can 111 and select the mental health option.
