The Super Bowl isn’t just one of the biggest sports and entertainment events of the year, with over 100 million Americans expected to tune in Sunday. It’s also created an unofficial holiday of sorts: the day after the game, when large numbers of people call in sick or otherwise skip work.
According to Marketplace, 27 percent of employees have stayed home after the big game. Some companies, including Kraft Heinz, give people the day off after the Super Bowl due to the lost productivity. Even Chicago’s Cook County Jail is expecting a significant number of correctional officers to call in sick, after approximately 350 individuals didn’t make it to work last year.
Human resources departments are beginning to take notice. According to one recent survey by OfficeTeam, 72 percent of HR managers think the day after the Super Bowl should be a holiday.
That’s partly because of the loss in productivity when people don’t show up — or do show up, but don’t fully engage. Arriving one hour late on Monday costs companies approximately $1.7 billion, according to one estimate.
So as we head into Super Bowl weekend, consider some small steps that will help you fully enjoy the buildup to the game, the game itself (and all the festivities surrounding it), and the day after. Try a ‘minimalist’ workout or check out Tom Brady’s sleep tips (even if you’re an Eagles fan) to help incorporate some healthy habits into what is sure to be an exhilarating weekend.