The Great Australian Sickie-something to be proud of?
The Great Australian Sickie–whether or not you think taking a sick day off work is something to be proud of, it has been a welcome fallback for many a person, young or old, for as long as I can remember. It’s always been much more than paid time-off when you’re sick. For some people it is a hangover cure, for some a sleep-in, or the perfect way to create your own long weekend. Whatever the reason, Australian workers have been lucky to receive ten paid sick days a year since the 70s.
Not surprisingly, Monday and Friday are the most popular ‘sickie days’ and Wednesday the least. We live in such a sprawling country, so perhaps an extra day to travel on weekends is justified. It’s nothing for Aussies to travel three or four hours to a weekend destination, whereas people from other countries would consider this a weeklong destination or somewhere you fly to.
What’s the cost to Australian businesses?
Of course, employers can be greatly disadvantaged by sickies. Some businesses require doctor’s certificates for sickies taken either side of a weekend or public holiday. Absenteeism, including sickies, costs Australian businesses over $20 billion a year.(1) And this amount doesn’t seem to be abating.
Since 2019 absenteeism has increased by nearly a quarter and the majority of businesses have felt this.(2) Since Covid there seems to be a lot more sickness around, and maybe workers are more inclined to look after themselves and take it easy when they don’t feel 100% well.
Australian culture
Despite all this, taking the occasional sickie does seem to be entrenched in the Australian culture. I mean, it’s only an Australian prime minister that would say on national TV that, ‘Any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum!’, when Australia II won the America’s Cup in 1983. I’m betting there was a spike in sickies that day.
Let’s create a fair Australia
I feel thankful to live in a country where we have the option to stay home when unwell. This hasn’t always been the case—sick leave in Australia first became a thing in 1922—and even now some countries don’t have it. But a nation can’t be strong and prosperous when people take advantage of others—yes, this applies to employers and employees—be fair about your need for time off, speak with your employer about it. A mutually agreed on approach will usually be a win for all.
References
- https://global.lockton.com/au/en/news-insights/impact-of-psychosocial-hazards-on-the-workplace-actions-employers-can-take
2. https://www.dhs.net.au/2023-absence-management-wellbeing-report