"Ferris Bueller's Day Off", written and directed by John Hughes. Seen here, Matthew Broderick as ... [ ] Ferris Bueller. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)

If you’ve noticed that your younger colleagues seem to be taking more sick days than their older counterparts, you’re not alone. Recent data shows that Americans in general are taking more sick days than they have in the past, and Gen Z is leading the charge. But why is the 25-to-34 crowd taking more sick time and sabbaticals?

To understand this phenomenon, we need to look at a combination of cultural, economic, and psychological factors that are influencing how the youngest members of the workforce approach their jobs—and their health. Here are ways Gen Z is reshaping workplace expectations.

One of the most significant factors driving the take-all-your-sick-days trend is a shift in attitudes toward work-life balance. Unlike older generations who might have prided themselves on never taking a sick day (remember the whole “work until you drop” mentality?), Gen Z is more likely to prioritize their well-being over clocking in, no matter what. This generation has grown up with a greater awareness of mental health issues and the importance of self-care, and they’re not shy about putting these principles into practice.

In the past, taking a sick day might have been seen as a sign of weakness or a lack of dedication. But for Gen Z,........

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