Report: Employee Leave Requests Increased in 2024

Employee leave requests increased for the third consecutive year in 2024, according to the 2025 State of Leave and Accommodations report from software firm AbsenceSoft.

As expected, the survey revealed that recovery from an illness or injury is the top reason for employees’ leave requests, with 57% of employers reporting these as a top three most common cause. However, managing mental health issues follows closely at 47%, making it the second most common reason for leave requests. Other top reasons included caring for a parent, relative or child, and bereavement and pregnancy leave.

Furthermore, mental health conditions were the most frequently cited reason for employees seeking job accommodations in 2024.

Key Findings

The AbsenceSoft report highlighted new trends and challenges HR professionals face regarding leave and accommodations. Other notable findings include the following:

• The most requested accommodation in 2024 was remote work, followed by intermittent leave and additional breaks. Other common accommodations include specialized equipment or changes in workspace.
• Both employers and employees want a streamlined, transparent process for leave and accommodation requests.
• A positive leave or accommodations experience boosts employee motivation, productivity, and workplace loyalty. Conversely, negative experiences can lead to feelings of being undervalued and unsupported.
• Nearly one-third of employers plan to introduce new paid leave benefits in 2025; paid medical and parental leave are the most common additions.

“When it comes to leave and accommodations, both employers and employees reported wanting a streamlined, simplified and transparent process.” –– Seth Turner, AbsenceSoft co-founder and chief strategy officer

Employer Takeaway

This report shows that leave and accommodations are on the rise. As such, employers should be prepared to meet the needs of employees and comply with all applicable rules and regulations.

© 2025 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

Why Outsource Your Employee Leave Management?

If you’re finding that your workforce is following the trend and increasing their leave requests, it can be a lot to manage. Outsourcing to experts engrossed in the latest regulatory changes dramatically minimizes the risk of non-compliance and avoids costly fines and lawsuits.

GTM’s Leave Management Administration service helps plan, track, and handle employee leaves, including administration, claims management, return-to-work support, and reporting. The service is delivered via a secure, cloud-based solution and backed by a dedicated team of SHRM- and FMLA-certified specialists.

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