Time out | Super Bowl LX sickies and hangovers could cost $1.9bn

Super Bowl Sunday has become America’s unofficial national holiday, and new data reveals that nearly one in five U.S. workers (18.45%) have called in sick following big game celebrations.

Research from TopResume finds that “Super-Sick Monday” is quickly becoming an annual trend, with millions of employees skipping work after the showcase NFL decider.

Super Bowl absenteeism trend

Nearly one in five US workers (18.45%) admit they’ve called in sick the day after Super Bowl Sunday. 7.56% say they’ve done it more than once, pointing to repeat “post-game” absenteeism. Among those who’ve taken a Super Bowl sick day before, nearly a third (28.92%) plan to do it again this year.

Among workers who’ve previously called in sick after Super Bowl celebrations, the trend shows no sign of slowing. Nearly a third (28.92%) admit that they plan to call in sick again after this year’s game, while another 32.53% say that their decision will depend on how late the night goes. Only one-quarter (25.30%) of those who’ve previously called in sick plan to return to work as normal the following day this year.

The research revealed that younger Americans are driving much of the post-Super Bowl absenteeism, with Gen Z emerging as the most likely generation to call in sick. More than one in four Gen Z workers (27.45%) have previously called in sick after Super Bowl Sunday. 12.42% admit that they’ve done so more than once. 6.54% already plan to call in sick after this year’s Super Bowl, and a further 18.30% admitted that they’ll decide based on how late the night goes.

More than one-fifth (21.17%) have called in sick after Super Bowl celebrations. Nearly one in 10 (8.64%) have done so more than once. 8.64% plan to call in sick this year. 8.36% will decide depending on the night.

Nearly a quarter of male professionals (24.31%) admitted to having called in sick after the game, compared to only 13.86% of women.

Super Bowl hangover productivity impact

Hangovers from the 2026 Super Bowl could cost US businesses $1.9billion. Some 37m US adults, the number of alcohol drinkers watching the Super Bowl, could go to work hungover the next day. Hungover workers could cost US businesses $53.29 per person and companies could lose 73 million working hours due to Super Bowl hangovers.

“A hangover can impair your performance, making it harder to concentrate, solve problems, or make sound decisions," said a report by NetVoucher. "For those in roles involving machinery or driving, it becomes a serious safety hazard due to slower reflexes and poor judgment. If alcohol is still in your system, you might even be in breach of workplace policies or legal regulations, resulting in being potentially let go from your job.

“Always make sure to watch how much you’re drinking. Drink plenty of water throughout the night and be mindful of your job the next day.”