Calling Out Sick Costs Labor Economy Workers More

A sick day may last 24 hours. The financial effects can stay much longer. For millions of workers, one missed shift can reduce the next paycheck and force a fast change in household spending.

The “Wage to Wallet Index: Paid Time, Unpaid Risk” draws on a survey of 2,235 U.S. consumers conducted in August 2026. It examines how illness, injury and personal emergencies affect workers across different income groups.

The Labor Economy includes roughly 60 million Americans. These workers earn no more than $25 an hour through hourly, shift, seasonal or gig work. Many have fewer workplace benefits and financial resources than higher-earning workers. That gap can change the cost of staying home.

Download the Index Wage to Wallet Index: Paid Time, Unpaid Risk

In the “Wage to Wallet Index: Paid Time, Unpaid Risk,” learn how:

Lost pay influences the choice to work sick. Among Labor Economy workers who went to work sick, 30.3% named lost pay as their main reason. Only 16.5% of higher-earning workers said the same. Health concerns may be similar, but the financial calculation can be much harder for workers with less income protection.

Fewer assets leave less room for an emergency. Just 37.2% of Labor Economy workers have an asset they could sell or borrow against to cover an unexpected $1,200 expense. That compares with 56.9% of other workers. The largest gaps appear in investments, home equity and retirement accounts.

Income concerns drive workers to seek more hours. Nearly 20% of Labor Economy workers sought more work because of job or income concerns. Another 16.3% took on side or gig work. Both shares were higher than those reported by higher-earning workers.

The report also explores the Labor Economy’s access to health insurance, paid time off and retirement benefits, shows how workers use retirement savings when cash runs short and examines the steps households take when worried about their jobs or income.

These findings offer a practical guide for employers and financial providers. Banks can build tools that help workers prepare for short income gaps. FinTech firms can adjust repayment schedules around irregular pay. Payments companies can help employers deliver assistance faster. Digital commerce providers can offer flexible billing dates and easier subscription pauses.

About the Index

The Wage to Wallet Index is a monthly study produced by PYMNTS Intelligence in collaboration with WorkWhile. This report draws on a survey of 2,235 U.S. consumers fielded Aug. 4–10, 2026. Bases vary by question and are shown with each figure: asset, retirement and spending analyses are based on all 2,235 respondents; illness and pay-loss findings on the 1,338 respondents asked about missed work; and employer-benefit analyses on the 1,185 full- and part-time employees. Labor Economy workers are hourly, gig, seasonal or shift-based workers earning no more than $25 an hour and typically less than $50,000 a year. Non-Labor Economy workers generally earn more. The sick-leave and pay-loss relationship is descriptive because access refers to the current employer while reported loss covers 12 months. No causal claim is made.