Australians Feel Pressured to Work Through Sickness

Many Australians believe they should continue working even when they're sick, with nearly half feeling compelled to show up at their jobs despite being unwell, according to a recent survey by Finder. The study, which included 648 workers, found that 47%—equating to about 6.8 million people—feel pressured to go to work when they should ideally rest at home.

On average, Australian workers have accrued 27 days of sick leave, yet many are hesitant to use these days. Tim Bennett, an insurance expert at Finder, notes the significant backlog of paid sick days that employees are reluctant to use, highlighting the intense workplace pressures many Australians face. He explained that many workers fear being perceived as taking advantage of their employers or feel guilty and ashamed for taking a sick day.

For some, especially those in casual or contract positions, the situation is even more dire as taking a day off could mean losing a day's pay, making it financially impossible to rest when ill. Bennett pointed out that the shift to remote work has also changed attitudes towards taking sick leave. With many people working from home, taking a full sick day can seem unnecessary unless one is too sick to even open a laptop.

Amidst the current cost of living crisis, even salaried staff find it tough to take time off, worried about the broader economic implications. However, Bennett stresses the importance of resting and allowing time for recovery when sick. Working through illness can often lead to decreased productivity and can prolong recovery times. Furthermore, since sick leave can't be cashed out if an employee resigns or is laid off, it makes little sense to conserve sick days.

The financial implications of getting sick can add to the stress, especially if an employee exhausts their sick leave and needs to take extended time off. In Australia, full-time employees are entitled to ten days of paid personal or carer's leave annually, but long-term illnesses or serious injuries can exhaust this allowance quickly.

In such cases, income protection insurance can be a safety net, offering payments up to 75% of an individual's monthly salary if they need to take extended time off. This financial support can be crucial for anyone facing significant health challenges, ensuring they can focus on recovery without the added stress of financial instability.