Cover for the August 2026 edition of the PYMNTS Intelligence and WorkWhile Wage to Wallet™ Index. Workers across income groups go to work sick at nearly the same rate, but Labor Economy workers feel the impact of missed shifts more.

Sick Days Put Labor Economy Paychecks and Spending at Risk

The Wage to Wallet™ Index: Paid Time, Unpaid Risk

PYMNTS Intelligence surveyed 2,235 U.S. consumers to learn how paid sick leave affects Labor Economy households. Workers across income groups go to work sick at nearly the same rate, but a missed shift can leave a much bigger mark on some paychecks.

Inside the August Index

  • Just 49.8% of Labor Economy employees have paid sick leave, compared with 62.3% of non-Labor Economy workers. Roughly 30% of both groups went to work sick during the past 90 days.
  • More than one-quarter of Labor Economy workers lost pay because of illness or injury in the past year, compared with 15.9% of non-Labor Economy workers.
  • When job or income concerns rise, 43% of Labor Economy households cut nonessential spending. Only 35.5% of non-Labor Economy households do the same.

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