Heartbreak may be personal, but its effects are playing out on the job.  

A new national survey from Zety®, a leading resume templates service, reveals that one in three U.S. workers have called out sick or used vacation time to recover from a romantic breakup, exposing a hidden but widespread workplace disruption. 

The Heartbreak Leave Report shows that breakups are affecting productivity, engagement, and attendance, often without formal policies or open conversations. While the concept of ‘heartbreak leave’—formal days off to recover from romantic loss—may sound unconventional, the data suggests employees are already taking time off after breakups, just quietly and without support. 

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Key Findings 

  • Impact on attendance: 1 in 3 workers have called out sick or used PTO to recover from a breakup, with men and younger employees being more likely to call out.  
  • Breakups take a toll: 43% say their workplace productivity suffers, while 38% report lower motivation and engagement. 
  • Need for formal leave: 1 in 3 workers believe employers should offer ‘heartbreak leave.’ 
  • Estimated recovery time: 40% believe they need at least 3 days of PTO after a breakup. 
  • Flexible support is key: 31% say remote work days are most helpful after a breakup, while 23% would prefer adjusted deadlines or workload.  

Breakups Are Already Disrupting Work 

The effects of heartbreak ripple through the workplace. According to the survey of 1,020 U.S. employees: 

  • 43% say a breakup negatively affected their productivity or ability to focus. 
  • 38% report lower motivation or engagement at work. 
  • 33% have taken sick days or PTO specifically to recover from a breakup. 
  • 25% say breakups affected their attendance or punctuality. 
  • 23% say breakups impaired their decision-making or problem-solving. 
  • 17% say heartbreak has negatively impacted their relationships with colleagues or managers (17%). 

Younger Workers and Men Most Likely to Take Time Off 

The likelihood of taking time off after a breakup varies across demographics: 

  • Men (36%) are more likely than women (28%) to take time off after a breakup. 
  • Gen Z workers are most likely to take time off (47%), followed by Millennials (45%), Gen X (31%), and Baby Boomers (11%). 

Employees Want ‘Heartbreak Leave,’ But Fear Judgement 

Many workers believe employers should acknowledge heartbreak as a legitimate workplace issue: 

  • 1 in 3 (33%) feel employers should offer ‘heartbreak leave’ (formal days off to recover from romantic loss). 
  • 43% say they would be likely to use ‘heartbreak leave’ if it were offered. 

However, stigma remains a significant barrier: 

  • 65% say they would feel uncomfortable requesting heartbreak leave due to fear of judgment or negative consequences. 

How Much Time Do Workers Say They Need? 

When asked how much paid time off is necessary to recover from a breakup, employees reported: 

  • 1 day (33%) 
  • 2 days (27%) 
  • 3 days (22%) 
  • 4+ days (18%) 

Flexibility is Crucial to Employees  

Beyond paid time off (30%), employees say these flexible support options would be most helpful after a breakup: 

  • Remote work days (31%) 
  • Flexible hours (31%) 
  • Privacy, e.g. fewer check-ins or meetings (26%) 
  • Adjusting deadlines or workload (23%) 

“Breakups are one of the most common forms of personal grief, yet employees are often expected to perform as if nothing happened,” said Jasmine Escalera, career expert at Zety. “Offering short-term flexibility — whether through remote days, adjusted workloads, or formal heartbreak leave — can help employees recover more quickly, stay productive, and feel supported rather than penalized for a normal life event.”