Company Sick Leave Is Frowned upon

jellykingdom on 25/01/2024 - 12:11

A wee rant

Yknow what gives me the shits? I'm currently at work, I'm sick and feeling lousy, but I've let myself get guilted into not using my sick leave…

Some background. Couple years ago, between looking after a little kid getting frequently sick after Covid restrictions lifting and also getting sick myself, I ended up having 10 days of personal leave (carers + sick) over 12mo. This prompted my boss to sit me down, and tell me that my "absenteeism" was unacceptable (despite being a "high performer" - his words, not mine)

It was pretty irritating at the time, and while I explained that when i was sick i was going to take time off to recover instead of wasting time in the office, but the result was that I ended up coming into work sick more often than I should have done, and really second-guess myself everytime I'm feeling unwell

It isn't just a thing to do with my boss, it's generally just a big company thing. Having sat through people leader training recently, it was outright stated that 5 days of sick leave per year was too much, and that we should be pulling that person aside to have a chat.

Now i'm sick for 2nd time in 6wks (last time i needed 3 days off for some viral infection that flattened me) and really just need a frigging day off to recover but i'm positive i would be getting another talking to

Anyone else find this happen too? It just annoys me because we're given 10 days of sick leave per year, but the expectation is that you are not allowed to use it. This element of corporate culture is really stuck in the 1920s, and especially after Covid, it's totally bizarre to me

Education & Work

Comments

  • Hybroid on 25/01/2024 - 12:13
    +90

    it's generally just a big company thing.

    No. It's really not. Many large companies have an accrued sick leave section of your timesheet profile and there's no restrictions on needing to take them. Generally 1-2 days every so often is perfectly fine. They're even encouraging that for mental health nowadays. Feeling stressy? Take a Friday off and book it as sick leave is perfectly fine (pending work/project/client requirements).

    If you take a whole week or two off in one go though, you're likely to need some form of explanation to line manager/HR which is fair enough.

    Sounds like you need to take some time off and consider alternative employment.

    • hasher22 on 25/01/2024 - 19:05
      +20

      In OPs defense, sick leave or personal leave is there when you need it. Whether you're sick or your immediate family member is sick. People should not guilt trip people in taking their entitlements, not like OP is abusing their entitlements.

      For me, when I am sick, especially with the flu, I am sick AF. I need 1 week off to recover and I am seriously moaning and crying in my bed. And 1 week is not enough for me, but I am fine for the rest of the year and no one questions it.

      I remember I had the flu, recovered then got a different strain of the flu and got the flu again… was the worst month and a half of my life.

      All HR needs is a medical certificate, no need to interrogate.

      • Xenocaust on 26/01/2024 - 14:51
        +3

        All HR needs is a medical certificate, no need to interrogate.

        My employer has announced a policy that if a day of sick leave is adjacent to a weekend or public holiday that a sick certificate is required for that day.

        If I am ever sick and required to go through that hassle when I'm ill I'll be getting a certificate that fully covers a period that I may need to be fully well - it certainly will be more than the single day.

        • iknowtj on 26/01/2024 - 21:22
          +4

          Fairly standard clause across many industries. The olde extra long weekend is cool but often at the detriment of a team or business in general.

        • DarwinBoy on 27/01/2024 - 16:35
          +1

          Double check and see if a stat Dec will do.
          My work place tried to initiate a policy that a drs certificate was required clause but it was pointed out in the award that a stat Dec is specifically mentioned as being acceptable.

        • harrywwc on 27/01/2024 - 18:59
          +3

          My employer has announced a policy that if a day of sick leave is adjacent to a weekend or public holiday that a sick certificate is required for that day.

          after all, on average 40% of all sick days fall on either a Monday or a Friday!

          • Willy Beamish on 29/01/2024 - 07:46
            -1

            @harrywwc: Considering most people don't work Saturday and Sunday and there are 5 days in the work week…. that's basically the same percentage as every other day if the week….

      • Nebargains on 28/01/2024 - 13:39
        +3

        People should not guilt trip people in taking their entitlements, not like OP is abusing their entitlements.

        OP might not be but plenty of people do. If OPs manager doesn't have kids they may not realise how often they legitimately get sick and it can't always be the same parent taking time off.

        I think the problem is people that abuse it with BS excuses, they ruin it for people like OP who are legitimately using their sick leave. I've had colleagues who's sick leave balance would always be 0 because as soon as they accumulated 1 day they would then call in sick, that sort of crap makes managers suspicious of anyone who regularly uses sick leave.

        • hasher22 on 28/01/2024 - 15:09
          +1

          This should be treated as individual case, just like people slacking off at work.

          I used to be a manager in a corporate company, managing a team of 10 to 16 people but I would leave alone the ones that aren't problematic and will pin down the dodgy ones.

          For example one team member used to call in sick once a week and he would get a medical cert and I couldn't do anything and he used up all his sick days when he got it. I knew he was faking it cause he was a slacker at work, we all know he hates his job and I was trying so hard to move him to another part of the company where he might enjoy the work but he just didn't want to work in general.

          But another worker called in sick for 1.5 weeks but she never calls in sick and I wouldn't even question her, she came back to work healthy and I never questioned her once.

          My point is, some managers are just a.holes and I don't think the dodgy minority ruins it for everyone else cause if they're a good manager, they would know who are the dodgy employee and who are the genuine ones.

          And in all seriousness, no manager got time to play good cop and bad cop to genuine employees doing the right thing, if they do, they're not a good manager in the first place. Ain't nobody got time to follow up on little stuff like this. I certainly would not waste my time, why should I create more work for myself? All I see is a power trip manager

          In this case, imo, OP should not have been interrogated from what they told us in this thread.

    • andrek on 26/01/2024 - 09:35
      +10

      it's generally just a big company thing.

      I work for the world's second largest company and no, it is not the thing. There is understanding that beyond certain number of days you might need to provide a doctor's certificate (and more for paperwork reasons than for actually proving you are sick). But beyond that - you get 10 sick days a year (don't forget, those accumulate) and you can use them any time. I just recently had a surgery so took ten days off… only to get hit by Covid at the end of those two weeks, so add another 5 days for that. No issues with the employer. So I think…

      Sounds like you need to take some time off and consider alternative employment.

      ^ that . And in meantime, take sick leave as needed. And if the company insists on limiting that - ask them to put it in writing. Because when/if they "make you redundant" - that document will put them into a very hot seat.

      • Ozbargainasaurus on 28/01/2024 - 13:41
        +1

        I doubt Amazon is that generous with sick leave 😉

        • p1 ama on 29/01/2024 - 04:10

          Amazon is incredibly generous with its corporate employees, its warehouse staff and contractors, not so much.

          I've not worked for Amazon, but I'm in the industry and have many friends who either work for Amazon or have worked for Amazon (in corporate roles). All have relayed to me that it's a very flexible workplace with great perks.

    • FiDad on 26/01/2024 - 10:28
      +4

      I think what OP meant to say was that it was a company wide thing specifically at his company. At least i hope so

    • Franc-T on 27/01/2024 - 02:25

      Yeah we have people at my work who have taken months off without issue when they had cancer/injuries as long as they know its a real thing they shouldnt be doing this.

      Sounds like someone has American style management which isn't a good thing.

      NB I have been made (pre covid we all worked in the office) to go home when I was a bit sick but not contagious and come back when I was better.

    • Ozbargainasaurus on 27/01/2024 - 14:30

      I think pretty naive to think its not widespread. In all the hr jingo that they sprout, of course they aren't going to advertise it. But when a manager is looking at bonuses, absentism is 100% a factor they take into consideration (in my experience)

    • Chong on 28/01/2024 - 12:22

      I also like to back this. Back in another life before covid where we used to work in the office and i had a big team (about 18 in office) I specifically told people they didnt have to come in if they felt under the weather, and to use their non accumulative sick/personal carers leave.

      I rather people coming down with something kept away from exposing the whole team to their germs, stuck 8 hours indoors with someone spreading their germs is bad for productivity once the rest of the team starts getting it.

    • nsshr on 17/02/2024 - 17:07

      I had a query regarding personal leave. I am currently a part time employee at Woolworths. I have accumulated a lot of personal leave. I was wondering that if I go casual will all the accumulated personal leave be discarded? And if so, is there anything in the agreement where I am able to cash out any of the personal leave or going casual will discard all the personal leave.

      I am also trying to get transfer to another store where I might be able to get part time hours, but my manager has sent me a casual contract to sign. Should I wait until I hear from another store I am transferring to. Please suggest and let me know.

      • Hybroid on 17/02/2024 - 18:24

        You’ll need to read your employment contract and/or speak to Woolworths HR or whoever is knowledgable about their pay/leave policies.

        It’ll differ at different companies, but highly doubt you’ll get personal leave paid out.

      • JIMB0 on 18/02/2024 - 07:34

        You should use it before leaving. How is up to you.

      • Aliensf on 19/02/2024 - 09:48

        Are you required to sign the casual contract to keep employment with Woolworths?

        I would stay permanent part time and attempt to transfer to another store, and I would not sign any contract. Guaranteed hours, sick leave and annual leave. Read your EBA and contact the union if you're in one.

  • str1k34 on 25/01/2024 - 12:15
    +112

    Sounds like a toxic workplace. I've never encountered this.

    Time for a change maybe?

    • SlickMick on 26/01/2024 - 11:09
      +17

      Toxic and led by morons. What does it do for productivity when you encourage illness to be spread throughout the workplace?

      I remember a Dilbert comic strip where the boss identified that 40% of sick leave was taken on Mondays and Fridays and considered that unacceptable.

  • netjock on 25/01/2024 - 12:19
    +9

    What I most hate about companies, people do make a bit of fun when you take sick leave.

    IF when I get employees I am going to ask them to take their sick leave. All of it no questions ask just agree it like it is annual leave. Have a great time. Already in as part of cost to employment.

    • mapax on 25/01/2024 - 12:27
      +4

      people do make a bit of fun when you take sick leave

      Is that a white collar thing? Because none of the blue or grey collar I’ve worked with make fun of anyone taking sick leave.

      • netjock on 25/01/2024 - 12:31
        +5

        Is that a white collar thing?

        I think it is a clown thing.

        Who knows. Once thing I do know is that people get funnier with age. I don't mean that in comical way.

      • Miami Mall Alien on 25/01/2024 - 14:03
        +15

        Is that a white collar thing?

        No, it's a tru-blu Aussie battler(tm) thing and it's always been a mainstay of the sorely misguided Australian "work ethic".

        The Mod: Inappropriate who think they're akin to heroes on the beaches of Gallipoli because they're coming into work half-dead with the plague so they can spread it to the rest of the workforce just to prove how much of a martyr they are because their entire identity and sense of purpose in life revolves around their career and they don't actually have anything else in their lives to give them a feeling of pride, meaning or belonging.

        Every single workplace I've ever been at, whether it was manual labour/blue collar or corporate/white collar has had this problem to some degree. It's a cultural phenomenon that's largely an Anglosphere/British thing (Americans are even worse in this regard) that you really don't see in continental Europe for example because humane working conditions have been hard-won through centuries of protest/activism and people have a stronger sense of community/cultural identity beyond all-out, dog-eat-dog capitalist consumerism. There also exists a similar "work ethic" in East Asian cultures like China, Japan and South Korea but for different historical reasons.

        These are the very same kind of people who contribute to and normalise Australia's insanely high rates of unpaid overtime by coming into work at ass o'clock everyday and leaving well past COB to give the illusion of dedication and self-sacrifice while only being productive for 2-3 hours per day and spending the rest of the time socialising, drinking coffee and sitting in meetings.

        I have noticed that it's slowly declining as the boomers move out of the workforce but it's a lasting legacy that defined the working class experience for most of the Anglosphere nations for centuries.

        • ldt on 26/01/2024 - 09:35

          I’m British Australian and this is not my experience in any job I’ve ever had in either country.

        • Speckled Jim on 26/01/2024 - 10:46
          +3

          it's slowly declining as the boomers move out of the workforce

          Getting worse, as most younger than GenX have little to no idea of the incremental battles to arrive at certain award conditions. The "new-normals" are accepted at face value, and they're often illegal.

          Any counseling on issues of leave should be documented, none of this menacing whispers behind closed doors BS.

          For OP, I say do be the martyr to demonstrate to management why it's a bad idea. You'll rarely cover your mouth when you cough. You'll sneeze into open air, followed by tissue clean-up. You'll remain in the same proximity to colleagues.

          After all, you're deemed by management to be well enough to be present, so expose their hypocrisy!

          • Speckled Jim on 26/01/2024 - 12:06
            +1

            @Speckled Jim: C'mon @chichi, you didn't have to delete that. Here, I'll paste it from the email notification:

            chichi on 26 January at 10:57

            Yeah don’t do this. You don’t need to be making your colleagues sick to prove a point.

            Not OP's problem in this very top-down autocracy. A safe workplace is ultimately the responsibility of management, who in turn expect the ill to show up. And what, bear no consequences?

            They can't have it both ways.

        • whyisave on 27/01/2024 - 06:42

          Totally agree.

      • ColtNoir on 26/01/2024 - 08:14
        +1

        I've worked in bot environment and I've known plenty of blue-collar people as well making fun of people taking sickies. Why is X off? Must've stubbed his toe, he's soft.

        It's just a prick thing to do.

        • mapax on 26/01/2024 - 08:40

          Guess I’ve just been lucky. Anywhere I’ve been they either don’t care or management are scared of public liability and don’t want someone not fit for work on site.
          Making fun of people for other things is pretty common though.

      • SlickMick on 26/01/2024 - 11:10

        I've never seen it in white collar either.

        It's only the one's that get caught on the tv's camera at the cricket or tennis.

    • CocaKoala on 27/01/2024 - 09:37

      What I most hate about companies, people do make a bit of fun when you take sick leave.

      I've worked in make different industries in three countries (including Australia) and have never observed or heard of anything like this.

    • skittlebrau on 27/01/2024 - 14:06
      +5

      What I most hate about companies, people do make a bit of fun when you take sick leave.

      “Had a bit of ‘man flu’ on Friday, Gary? Haha, nothing like the old long weekend trick!”

      “No, I went for chemo”

      “Oh”

  • djkelly69 on 25/01/2024 - 12:22
    +58

    Ask your boss to put it in writing next time he wants to give you a talking to for using your personal leave while sick.

    Honestly a company that is stupid enough to actually state to leaders that more than 5 sick days in a year is too many sounds like a sinking ship anyway.

    • skittlebrau on 27/01/2024 - 14:07
      +4

      Ask your boss to put it in writing next time he wants to give you a talking to for using your personal leave while sick.

      Always follow up every important verbal conversation with an email outlining all the points so that there’s a written trail.

  • MS Paint on 25/01/2024 - 12:30
    +29

    If you had a medical certificate then tell the boss to GTFOH.

  • dahax77 on 25/01/2024 - 12:32
    +31

    One of the good things about Covid times was actively encouraging people to stay home when sick rather than spreading it around.

    Shame most workplaces/management just went straight back to their old habits.

    Find a new job or as suggested get them to put this 'policy' in writing and watch them back-pedal away….

  • coffeeinmyveins on 25/01/2024 - 12:34
    +30

    it was outright stated that 5 days of sick leave per year was too much, and that we should be pulling that person aside to have a chat.

    Did you remind them that they can't go against the legally allowed sick leave? I'm sure fairwork would love to have a chat with them if they fired or reprimanded someone for taking 6 days of SL.

    • duk242 on 25/01/2024 - 12:37
      +16

      This ^^^
      If they hit you with penalties for using your legally allowed sick leave, you might want to have a chat to fairwork…

  • Tee Rex Arms on 25/01/2024 - 12:36

    They can’t query the reason for your absenteeism but can speak to you about “patterns” of leave under the guise of a welfare check.

      • OZKap on 26/01/2024 - 09:22
        +4

        You can't just not show up for work without a valid reason.

        Yes, you can. Employees are not slaves.

        On top of which, statutory declaration of being unable to work, is a valid reason

        • SlickMick on 26/01/2024 - 11:13
          +1

          It's even called personal leave now, rather than sick leave. There are a how list of reasons allowable - we have to nominate which in the list.

        • jv on 26/01/2024 - 14:31
          -3

          Yes, you can.

          If you don't show up for work and don't provide a reason, don't be surprised if your employment is terminated.

          • Iost on 26/01/2024 - 19:48
            +3

            @jv: All you are required to say is I'm unable to come to work today and will be taking personal leave. You are not required to give any further information, nor is it any business of your workplace why you require the leave. They can ask you for a doctors cert or stat dec but these also don't require further information other than you were unfit to work.

            • jv on 27/01/2024 - 11:49
              -2

              @Iost:

              All you are required to say is I'm unable to come to work today and will be taking personal leave.

              That's right, but you can't just not show up without saying anything.

              • banana365 on 27/01/2024 - 12:56
                +2

                @jv: You seem to be the only person who thinks that's what's being discussed here.

                • jv on 27/01/2024 - 13:01
                  -8

                  @banana365: Yes, it's lonely being correct.

      • borrisz0r on 26/01/2024 - 12:30
        -2

        I bet dan caused all of this…

        The ripples will be long felt throughout the universe

  • Bid Sniper on 25/01/2024 - 12:37
    +10

    I take sick leave when sick, my bosses all are supportive of it.

    If its frowned up by the organization, then Id find employment in another organizations that doesn't.

    Sounds like the workplace is sick.

  • burningrage on 25/01/2024 - 12:42

    Can't say where I work at the moment taking sickie is being frowned but I know a long termer (5 year plus) that downed her sickie to zero and as it happened usually around important times too often, I think it got to higher up attention.

  • Tily on 25/01/2024 - 12:45
    +3

    I think it’s more of your company’s mentality regarding sick leave rather than a general big company mentality. It’s pretty toxic if this is the kind of communication that is being taught in leadership training.

    I work in a large business and taking sick leave has never been an issue. We are actually encouraged and constantly reminded to not come into work if we are not well. Management will also send people home if they look/sound unwell at work too.

  • jv on 25/01/2024 - 12:48
    -6

    What did your HR Manager say about it?

    • Extreme on 26/01/2024 - 07:38
      +15

      HR Managers are there to protect the employers position. They aren’t there to help employees.

      • iknowtj on 26/01/2024 - 21:27
        +1

        No hr manager will back this unofficial policy in any recorded form.

      • syousef on 27/01/2024 - 19:54

        Exactly why they can't back this. They aren't about to confirm an illegal policy.

  • p1 ama on 25/01/2024 - 12:58
    +9

    It isn't just a thing to do with my boss, it's generally just a big company thing.

    I don't think this is a "big company thing", I've worked at numerous "big" companies, including several top 10 companies on the ASX, and I can honestly say that I've not encountered this sort of micro-management before.

    Obviously I've heard of others going through the same thing as you, but this is certainly not the norm, and it would be most likely that if you were to find another job, it would not be the case there.

    Having sat through people leader training recently, it was outright stated that 5 days of sick leave per year was too much, and that we should be pulling that person aside to have a chat.

    This is quite extreme (and likely even a breach of employment law, though I'm not a lawyer). I would definitely be plotting to leave, or at least keep a record of (i) the fact that this was shown in training, and (ii) all medical certificates for when you take sick leave, such that if there were further repercussions of you taking sick leave (e.g. dismissal), that you would have the evidence to defend yourself.

    Now i'm sick for 2nd time in 6wks (last time i needed 3 days off for some viral infection that flattened me) and really just need a frigging day off to recover but i'm positive i would be getting another talking to

    That sounds pretty terrible, if you're getting sick that often, you should probably see a doctor.

    Anyone else find this happen too? It just annoys me because we're given 10 days of sick leave per year, but the expectation is that you are not allowed to use it.

    The expectation at your company,, perhaps, but this is definitely not the norm across all employers.

  • kolorijo on 25/01/2024 - 12:59
    +17

    It is frowned upon to come into work sick in my workplace. My boss will tell them to go home and take a sick leave. Keep the rest of the herd healthy and working lol.

    • Minimum chips on 26/01/2024 - 11:48

      Exactly that. Big picture losing a bit of productivity from one employee is better than having multiple people call in sick - or if they all come in and it spreads, dozens of people working while unwell and creating a dismal output.

      OP's bosses seem short-sighted with that attitude.

  • Repposh on 25/01/2024 - 12:59
    +2

    If genuinely sick, we take sick leave. We have the option to work from home if not too sick but still contagious.

  • Dollar General on 25/01/2024 - 13:06

    A sick day the day before a long weekend is always a tough one even if you are really sick

    I work for a very large organisation and no issues with sickies, if you are genuinely sick. I haven’t taken many at all but my colleagues with young kids seem to be sick quite often or need to take carers days. No one I work with has issues about it

    • Subere on 25/01/2024 - 20:35
      +2

      I barely took sick days for years. But that accumulation of days has definitely helped when I had kids and had to take time off because of daycare viruses and colds

  • beyonddd on 25/01/2024 - 13:21
    -1

    Are you bothering to get medical certificates for each absence? Because if you aren't, this is the entire reason. You NEED to get a Med Cert to cover your own ass.

    • Hybroid on 25/01/2024 - 13:34
      +5

      No you do not. For extended absences you'll likely need a medical certificate. But to take 1 or 2 days off? Not required nor practical.

      • beyonddd on 25/01/2024 - 13:39
        +4

        If you have a medical cert, OP's boss can't say anything, no leg to stand on. If you're consistently taking in their eyes 'unexplained absences' then absolutely you can be pulled up. There is no trust anymore in working for companies, they will always believe that you're not sick. Just get a cert, telehealth, bulkbilled and takes less than 5 mins.

      • Guesty on 25/01/2024 - 13:56
        +4

        It's dependent on the employment contract. Some companies require if its a Monday of Friday to proved a certificate also.

        • Ultimate Gattai on 25/01/2024 - 18:47
          +1

          Mine requires it for a Monday/Friday/Saturday off depending on your roster, or before/after a public holiday. Unfortunately I live in a regional, rural area, so getting into the doctor at short notice is difficult, I'd have to spend half the day at the hospital and wait (which I will if I have to, it just excruciating when you're sick and uncomfortable).

          • Extreme on 26/01/2024 - 07:42
            +1

            @Ultimate Gattai: In this day and age, you can get medical certificates online for a small fee.

            You can also obtain them from most pharmacists also.

            • Ultimate Gattai on 26/01/2024 - 20:29

              @Extreme: I have used the pharmacists before, but they can only do for that day, they can't backdate or do multiple days unfortunately.

              • Extreme on 26/01/2024 - 22:32

                @Ultimate Gattai: I’ve used pharmacists & online companies before.

                Some of the online companies require video calls, some only a phone call, some are happy to issue multiple days with nothing more than filling in an online form.

                Some GP’s do Telehealth appointments also.

          • nigel deborah on 26/01/2024 - 10:18
            +1

            @Ultimate Gattai: They are legally required to accept a stat dec. Just do that when the doctor is a hassle.

          • Minimum chips on 26/01/2024 - 11:53
            +1

            @Ultimate Gattai: Next time you're in you local capital, book a first appointment at a suburban GP clinic that: 1) Bulk bills, 2) Does telehealth and 3) has many GPs and available appointments.

            Once you're not a "new patient", you can book telehealth with any GP at the practice next time you need a cert. It won't matter that you're not actually a local since it's telehealth, and as far as I'm aware there's no rule saying you have to live near a clinic for bulk billing to go through.

      • jolee3 on 25/01/2024 - 16:22

        Depends on the company. Fair Work states that employers can ask for evidence for as little as 1 day or less off work.

  • Almost Banned on 25/01/2024 - 13:24
    +6

    I've definitely worked in places where they give you the stink eye if you have a sickie, and where they question you about it.
    I make it clear its none of their busines - and don't feel the slightest bit guilty.
    I am entitled to sick leave. You are not entitled to give me sh!t about taking sick leave.

    • Poor Ass on 27/01/2024 - 00:28

      You do know sickie means you're not actually sick right?

  • Drakesy on 25/01/2024 - 13:32
    +1

    Yeah its a fine line these days between taking sick leave and taking the piss, unfortunately some bosses are more lenient than others.

    Else just get a medical certificate and it'll absolve everything.

  • JIMB0 on 25/01/2024 - 13:33
    +10

    Sick leave is there to be taken. My balance was zero when I got made redundant, some people had hundreds of hours and got nothing for it.

    Get a doctor's certificate and use it as much as you like. Nothing they can do.

    • pharkurnell on 25/01/2024 - 14:51

      some people had hundreds of hours and got nothing for it.

      I got 512 hours of sick leave I'll never get paid for :(

      • JIMB0 on 25/01/2024 - 15:55
        +6

        There's several ways to take it. Elective surgery is good one if you've been putting it off. Otherwise go talk to your doctor about your mental health.

      • adinfinitum on 26/01/2024 - 08:27

        450 hrs for me and given redudency !

        • Nugs on 29/01/2024 - 14:43

          Do you get paid any of it?
          When my work closed, staff got 25% and shop floor got 100%. There were limits, I had a bit more than max
          .

      • liongalahad on 28/01/2024 - 06:11

        sick leave is not annual leave. You are supposed to take it only when actually sick, so it's really good for you if you have so much un-accrued sick leave, means you're healthy

        • pharkurnell on 29/01/2024 - 10:12

          Can paid sick and carer’s leave be cashed out?

          Employees covered by an award or agreement can cash out paid sick and carer’s leave if all of the following apply:

          the award or agreement allows it
there is a separate agreement in writing on each occasion
the employee retains a balance of at least 15 days of untaken paid sick and carer’s leave
the employee is paid at least the full amount that would have been payable had the employee taken the leave they have cashed out.

          https://www.fairwork.gov.au/tools-and-resources/fact-sheets/…

    • Ultimate Gattai on 25/01/2024 - 18:44

      I rarely get sick and I had more sick days than holidays at one point(I had over 3 months), and people whinge when I actually do get sick and have to take time off. It sucks that you don't get any reward for taking care of yourself, been think I should take it off every now and then, but the workplace conditions are pretty bad now, so may putting in for mental health days would be better.

    • SlickMick on 26/01/2024 - 11:20
      +1

      I'd rarely taken sick leave until I got covid. I was sick for months, every time I came back to the office I'd be sick again within a day or 2. I ended up using all my sick leave and annual leave.

      I reckon sick leave is more of an insurance. You might never need to claim, but when you do you're going to be glad it's there. If you'd worked a long time for a company, they'll keep paying you if you ever needed a lengthy time in hospital and rehabilitation.

      • JIMB0 on 27/01/2024 - 09:02

        You can buy income insurance separately if you don't have the savings to support yourself for an extended period off work.

        • SlickMick on 27/01/2024 - 13:07

          Personally (and I admit that I despise insurance) feel that income insurance sucks. The policies I've seen don't kick in for a period, last a limited time, and aren't cheap. So for a small window during your period of illness you can feel like you're winning. Doesn't seem worthwhile to me.

          I also admit that sick leave is even more limited. How long you can afford to be sick depends on how long you've been with company.

          The best insurance IMO is an offset account or redraw facility. Pay your loan off as much as you can while you can, and use that as your buffer when life sucks. Put all those insurance premiums into paying for your house.

          (Disclaimer: I insurance properties and vehicles. I don't have the guts to totally stand by my principles.)

  • El cheepo on 25/01/2024 - 13:33
    +3

    If your sick and have the leave, take it.

    They can frown all they want, who cares what they think.

    If your worried about future promotions etc being affected, look for a new job while using up that sick leave… they aren’t worth working for.

  • GourmetFoodie on 25/01/2024 - 14:06
    +1

    Can you work from home while sick as a compromise? Using a full 10 days every year is a lot. That’s equivalent to 2 weeks of lack of work. I get sick a lot but I’m rarely bedridden that I can’t work to some degree.

    • Flying Ace on 25/01/2024 - 14:08
      +18

      Why would you compromise to appease an employer's unreasonable (and illegal) request?

      • GourmetFoodie on 25/01/2024 - 14:10
        +2

        If you want to keep your job you need to work with the company culture. Otherwise good luck with being the sole fighter for “what’s right”.

        • Flying Ace on 25/01/2024 - 14:11
          +3

          Working yourself into the ground to fit into the "company culture" sounds fun.

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