68 saved#2,935 of 6,224

National Sickie Day

Feeling fluey or under the weather? Join the club on National Sickie Day and remember, a little self-care can go a long way!

Monday

February 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEFirst Monday in February

OBSERVED INUnited Kingdom

CATEGORYCareers

SUBCATEGORYWorkplace Wellness

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to practice some self-care on National Sickie Day this February 5! Contrary to its name, this day isn't about promoting sickness — it's all about taking some time off to promote wellness. Since its inception in the United Kingdom in the early 2000s, National Sickie Day has commonly been viewed as the day most likely for employees to call in sick, thanks to the combination of bad weather, post-holiday blues, and the start of the work week. However, it has also evolved into a day to highlight the importance of health and wellbeing. So bundle up, delve into some chicken soup, and remember that taking care of your health should always be a top priority!

TIMELINE

National Sickie Day Timeline

Inception of National Sickie Day

In the UK, the first Monday of February was first labelled as National Sickie Day due to the high rate of employees calling in sick.

Attracting Media Attention

National Sickie Day started gaining media attention, as the number of reported sick leaves peaked during this day across several industries.

National Sickie Day Goes Global

The holiday started to be recognized internationally, with companies worldwide becoming aware of the trend.

Emphasizing Wellness

The focus of National Sickie Day began to shift from absenteeism to promoting health and wellness among employees.

Virtual Celebrations

With the COVID-19 pandemic, observances of National Sickie Day promoted virtual health checks and maintaining wellbeing while working from home.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Sickie Day

Catch up on sleep

Rest is one of the best ways to recover when you're not feeling well. Use this day to catch up on your sleep, aiding your body in eliminating any fatigue and strain, and recovering faster.

ENJOY

Enjoy therapeutic activities

Do something that soothes your mind and body, like reading, painting, or yoga. Practicing mindfulness can also help alleviate stress and promote wellness.

TRY

Try a new healthy recipe

Take some time to nourish your body with good food. Try cooking a new recipe that is rich in vitamins and nutrients to help boost your immune system.

CREATE

Create a home spa day

Relaxation can do wonders for your well-being. So, why not turn your bathroom into a spa? Take a long bath, light some candles, play some calm music, and just relax.

CONNECT

Connect with loved ones

Sometimes, all you need is a good chat with a friend or family member. On this day, take some time to connect with your loved ones, share some laughs, and improve your mood.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Sickie Day

Encourages Nourishing Food & Connections

Who doesn’t love a day that gives you a reason to treat yourself to some wholesome, nutritious food and enjoy good company? National Sickie Day encourages us to reach out to our loved ones and share comforting conversations. It's also a day to indulge in some delicious, yet healthy food to help boost our immune system, proving that taking care of ourselves can be delicious and fun.

Prioritizes Self-care and Well-being

National Sickie Day gives us an excuse to take a break and put our health first. It’s a gentle reminder that self-care is paramount and that taking sufficient rest when needed can help our bodies recover & regain strength. On this day, we are encouraged to focus on activities that promote health & wellness, making it a day for rejuvenation.

Promotes Enjoyable Therapeutic Activities

Did you know that engaging in therapeutic activities such as reading, painting, or yoga can have positive impacts on our health? National Sickie Day not only promotes this, but also provides an opportunity for us to unwind from the stresses of everyday life by engaging in these activities, improving our overall mood & mental health.