If you're struggling to power through the day after the Big Game, recovering from late-night celebrations and battling the aftermath of too many snacks, you're definitely not alone.
An estimated 22.6 million employed Americans plan to miss work today while they recover from the Philadelphia Eagles win over the Kansas City Chiefs, according to UKG's annual absenteeism survey. That's up from 16.1 million last year and breaks the previous record of 18.8 million employees who said they'd be out in 2023 — which, coincidentally, was the last time the Chiefs and the Eagles faced off in the Super Bowl.
The survey shows most people are taking a pre-approved day off (12.9 million) or swapping shifts with a co-worker so they don't have to work on Monday (4.8 million). Others are calling in sick even if they're not actually sick (about 3.2 million) or "ghosting" their employer by skipping work without telling anyone (another 3.2 million).
Another 12.9 million employees say they'll go into work late on Monday.
For those who do work today, many will find their minds wandering. The survey shows 4 in 10 employees (40%) say they'll be distracted by Super Bowl media coverage when they work the Monday after the game — a significant increase from last year's 28%. Over a third (36%) also say they'll be less productive than they normally are at work on Monday after the Big Game — up from 30% in 2024.
As the number of employees missing work after the Super Bowl rises each year, experts and fans alike are increasingly suggesting it may be time to consider making the Monday following the game a national holiday. UKG's survey shows 43% of employed Americans think it should be a national holiday — up from 37% who said so in 2024.
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Lawmakers in at least one state are trying to get the ball rolling.
Indiana is pushing to make the Monday after the Super Bowl an official state holiday, calling it American Professional Football Day. The idea is that Hoosiers could skip work instead of calling in sick like millions do every year, costing businesses billions.
Supporters say it's not just about the recovery, it's about bringing folks together for the game, guilt-free.
House Bill 1517 is still waiting for a hearing, but lawmakers are hopeful it will move forward soon.
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