Caught! Remote employees reveal their top excuses for not working

By Alyssa Place, This is my expertise
Published Updated 2 Min Read

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Excuses to miss work are commonplace. It’s important to practice healthy work-life balance, yet some employees may be taking it to the extreme. 

A recent survey by workforce management platform WorkYard rounded up the most common excuses employees use to avoid doing work. Technical difficulties topped the list, as shaky internet connectivity was the most common excuse used by remote workers. Illness, at-home distractions and communication misunderstandings were named as other frequent issues, the survey found. 

Thirty-two percent of employees say internet connectivity issues and other online issues are common reasons they cannot do their work. Power outages and even being the victim of cybersecurity threats were shared in the survey. 

Eighteen percent of employees say they use excuses like a sick family member to avoid their work. Personal emergencies like plumbing issues and other “urgent” home repairs also made the list. 

Alyssa Place
Editor-in-chief

Alyssa Place is the editor-in-chief of Employee Benefit News and has been with the team since 2019. Her work covers mental health, DEI, women at work, financial wellness, retirement and workplace … Read full bio


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