Heartbreak at work: One in three people call in sick after a breakup

Men and younger employees are more likely to deal with their grief in this way. When it comes to generations, Gen Z leads the absenteeism ranking after a breakup at 47 percent, closely followed by Millennials at 45 percent. Gen

Working after a breakup: With many negative effects

43 percent also say that their productivity and concentration at work have suffered due to heartbreak, and 38 percent report lower motivation and less commitment. 25 percent say that their punctuality has been affected, 23 percent are convinced that their ability to make decisions and solve problems has decreased and 17 percent say that the separation has negatively affected their relationship with colleagues or superiors. One in three people in the survey therefore demand that employers should offer “heartbreak vacation”.

How long should this special leave last? There is also a concrete idea there. 40 percent believe they need at least three days of recovery after a breakup. If there is no offer of a “heartbreak vacation,” 31 percent would be satisfied with more home office days. 26 percent would be happy about fewer meetings and more privacy and 23 percent would be happy about adjusted deadlines or less workload.

You can wish for a lot – but how is heartbreak regulated under labor law in Austria? The COURIER has contacted the Chamber of Labor inquired.

Sick leave in case of heartbreak – yes, that’s possible

Adriana Mandl, an expert in social policy at the Vienna Chamber of Labor, explains that vacation can of course be requested at any time with the agreement of the employer. If this agrees, nothing would stand in the way of a “heartbreak vacation”. And you can also call in sick if you are lovesick – under clear conditions.

Because a separation per se is clearly not an illness. However, it can be associated with psychological stress, which may result in illness. This must be clarified by a doctor in individual cases. “An illness is any impairment of physical or mental well-being,” emphasizes Mandl. If a doctor confirms that you are unable to work due to heartbreak, sick leave would be legally legitimate.

In this context, it would be important to clarify what can be done while on sick leave. “You shouldn’t do anything while you’re sick that could delay the healing process,” says Mandl. Calling in sick because of a breakup and then posting on social media with friends and cocktails could end up being a detriment.