Golden-based AbsenceSoft has released its 2025 Leave of Absence and Workplace Accommodations Report, revealing a continued rise in leave and accommodation requests. The report is based on a survey of 1,200 HR and people ops leaders, as well as 1,200 employees who recently requested a leave or accommodation.
Nearly 60% of HR teams reported year-over-year increases in employee leave and accommodation requests, indicating significant challenges as organizations strive to meet the growing needs of their workforce. Retention has been identified as a top concern for 57% of HR professionals.
“When it comes to leave and accommodations, both employers and employees reported wanting a streamlined, simplified and transparent process,” said Seth Turner, co-founder and chief strategy officer of AbsenceSoft. The report emphasizes the importance of effective leave and accommodation programs in improving productivity and employee satisfaction.
Key findings from the report include a consistent rise in leave requests for the third consecutive year, with the top reasons being illness and injury recovery (57%), managing mental health challenges (47%), and caring for an aging parent (37%). Accommodations requests have also increased, with 60% of HR managers noting a rise, primarily due to mental health needs.
Almost half (45%) of employees approaching managers for accommodations do so before involving HR, which could lead to compliance risks. Training managers on legal requirements and company policies could enhance employee experience, with 62% of employees reporting positive support from their managers.
The report underscores that good experiences with leave and accommodations significantly impact job satisfaction and productivity. About 70% of employees with positive experiences felt valued and supported, while 60% reported increased productivity. Conversely, 36% of respondents with negative experiences sought new job opportunities, and 14% decided to quit.
Notably, remote work was the most requested accommodation this year, reflecting a shift in how employees view workplace flexibility. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recognizes remote work as a reasonable accommodation, emphasizing the need for employers to navigate changing regulations carefully.
The survey was conducted in late 2024 and included 2,400 respondents grouped into employees who requested leave or accommodations and HR leaders from companies with 500 or more employees.
