Gen Z Prioritizes Self-Care When Sick While Boomers Push Through Illness

A poll of 2,000 adults reveals stark generational differences in illness management as cold and flu season begins. Fifty-five percent of Gen Z adults aged 18 to 28 feel comfortable taking work sick days for recovery, compared to just 30 percent of Baby Boomers aged 61 to 79. Younger workers also pause socializing (54 percent), exercise (46 percent), and household chores (42 percent), with 83 percent believing rest accelerates healing. Boomers prefer traditional remedies including over-the-counter medicines (59 percent), nutritious meals (50 percent), and bed rest (48 percent). However, 45 percent of older workers feel guilty about sick leave, while 24 percent fear managerial judgment. The OnePoll research found 34 percent expect future workplace attitude shifts toward prioritizing employee self-care during illness. (Story URL)