Why CEOs almost never call in sick—and what it reveals about leadership

Many top executives rarely or never take sick leave, according to discussions at the WELT Economic Summit. Several CEOs admitted they could not recall the last time they called in sick. This trend raises questions about the health and work habits of business leaders.

At the summit, figures like Christian Lindner, co-CEO of Auto1, and Stefan Hoops, CEO of DWS, struggled to remember when they last took time off for illness. Dirk Schmitz, BlackRock's Germany chief, was an exception—he took two days off last winter due to the flu. Most, however, reported long stretches without sick leave.

A 2023 study in Leadership Quarterly found that Swedish CEOs had fewer diseases than the general population. This aligns with a 2022 Deloitte survey, where three-quarters of C-level executives said their jobs boosted their physical and mental well-being. Yet experts warn that such self-assessments may overlook hidden pressures.

Unlike most employees, CEOs often work from home or stay reachable even when unwell. Their flexibility in managing schedules could mask underlying health risks. Some researchers argue that psychological strain might surface later, despite current resilience.

Hard data on CEO health remains scarce. The group is small, private, and reluctant to discuss personal well-being. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to compare their sick leave rates with the broader workforce.

The pattern of CEOs avoiding sick leave highlights both their dedication and potential risks. While some studies suggest they may be healthier, experts urge caution against glorifying constant availability. The long-term effects of this mindset on leadership and company culture remain unclear.