A New Record in Super Bowl Monday Absenteeism? It’s a Hangover Thing
One option is to leave at halftime and watch the rest of the game at home!
Are you going to a party for the big game? UKG’s longtime Super Bowl survey finds that an expected 22.6 million American workers will miss work on Monday, a record number compared to the previous record 18.8 million who missed work in 2023. Interestingly, that game also featured the Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Kansas City Chiefs.
A New Record in Super Bowl Absenteeism? It’s a Hangover Thing
According to a yearly study by theย UKG Workforce Institute, employees will miss work using paid time off, ghosting, or calling in “sick.” Additionally, 12.9 million Americans will be late for work or admit they will not be performing well. Still others will “think about it on Monday” and come up with an excuse. Not surprisingly, the top reasons for planned absenteeism are fatigue, nausea, and hangovers. In years past, 34% of individuals over 21 stated that drinking too much during the game was a key factor in their unplanned absence. In 2025, 43% of US employees think Super Bowl Monday should be a national holiday.
At Sanford Behavioral Health, we understand the football and alcohol phenomenon. We promise this is not an attempt at instituting the prohibition of alcohol during football games. However, there is never a better time to point out the negative aspects of alcohol in the workforce than when more than 1/3 ofย American employees anticipate being gone or less productive than usual at work on Monday after the Super Bowl. Likewise, when a projected record 22.6 million plan to be “sick” or too exhausted on Super Bowl Monday to turn up.
Alcohol’s Impact on the Workplace
Although the Super Bowl and Super Bowl Monday are only two days of the year, alcohol’s impact on the workplace and workforce is yearlong. Workplace culture can significantly disincentivize drinking and drug use. It can also provide a safe space for discussion,ย treatment, and reintegration into the workplace after addiction treatment. A proactive plan to manage substance use in the workplace can also provide overall cost savings and increased productivity.
“The lack of transparency between employees and managers creates a mounting problem in the form of unplanned absence, lost productivity, and erosion of trust โ a problem that could be tackled by more honest communication and greater workplace flexibility.” The Workforce Institute at UKG
Workerโs Comp/Disability
There are many hidden costs associated with workplace substance use. These costs can include employer responsibility for high-risk safety concerns and legal risks. In addition, substance use in the workplace puts other employees in jeopardy and is detrimental to company morale. Other factors less commonly considered include workplace theft, diminished company culture, and low productivity.
Addiction treatment while maintaining responsibilities like work, school, or childcare is a click away. Real-life recovery day programs are available online!
Healthcare Cost
Employees who have substance use disorders (SUD) have higher healthcare costs. This includes a higher number of ER visits, higher healthcare utilization, higher premiums, and an increased risk of overdose or severe medical complications due to long-term drug use. Below are stats from NORC at the University of Chicago:
- $81 billion โ lost work, health care costs, lost productivity
- $25.5 billion โ lost productivity and absenteeism
- ย Addicted workers miss 50% more work
- ย Addicted workers are 3x more likely to be in workplace accidents
- 1 in 5 say working with someone with a SUD is more dangerous, harder work
- Healthcare costs are twice as expensive for those with SUDs
- Employees with SUDs make more ER visits, spend more days in the hospital
Education on Drug and Alcohol Misuse
Prevention and education in the workplace are key components to providing and maintaining a safe environment for all employees. Employers have many options for implementing addiction awareness into their training programs. Organizational leaders can be trained to identify substance misuse and dependence and take the proper action to help employees when problems arise.
Super Bowl Monday can be productive!
The Super Bowl Party Next Year (and parties in general)
No one is asking you to turn off the television or avoid the Super Bowl party or any party this year (although if you are new to recovery, “no thanks” is always an option). If you drink alcohol, eat the snacks, drink lots of water, or substitute alcohol with mocktails intermittently. Plan for your ride home with a sober friend or ride service (don’t be that “guy” who wakes up Monday morning on the host’s couch).
If You are in Recovery or Cutting Back on Drinking
- Plan how you will respond if someone asks you what you want to drink. (Once the party is at large, no one will care.)
- Bring a sober friend or have a friend on standby.
- Be accountableโif things get uncomfortable, attend a meeting, review your coping mechanisms, or plan an exit strategy.
- Choose the more intimate party vs. the raucous, keg-stand variety.
- Leave at halftime and watch the rest of the game at home.
- It is okay to leave, arrive after the kick-off, or stay home.
- Have fun, and count your blessings. After all, you won’t be the one with the headache calling in “sick”ย Monday morning.
- Be the work hero on Super Bowl Monday – on time, full of vitality, and 100% there.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, eating disorders, or co-occurring mental health conditions, donโt wait to change your life โ click the link below to speak with an admissions specialist today.
