Millions of Aussies have had to turn up to work sick, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,011 respondents revealed 1 in 3 (33%) Australians – equivalent to 7.2 million people – have had to tough it out at work while unwell for financial reasons.
The research shows 17% have powered through during illness because they were employed as a casual.
A further 15% have battled through a work day sick because they didn't have any sick leave, while 6% said it's because they couldn't afford healthcare if they didn't.
Taylor Blackburn, personal finance and insurance specialist at Finder, said working while sick has become a financial survival tactic for millions of people.
We've somehow turned working while under the weather into a badge of honour – but for millions of Australians, it's not bravery, it's financial pressure.
Exposing your colleagues to infection or running yourself into the ground isn't admirable. The idea that sick days are optional is not only outdated, it's dangerous.
When people are clocking in with a fever just to pay the bills, that's not work ethic, it's a broken system.
Blackburn said casual workers are being forced to choose between their health and their pay.
The pandemic should have put a stop to the 'soldier on' mentality for good. Instead, millions of Australians are still stuck working through illness.
For a large portion of the workforce, no attendance means no pay, making staying at home an impossible choice.
We focus a lot on productivity, but presenteeism can be a silent killer – people show up unwell, underperform, and risk everyone else's health in the process.
Blackburn said rising inflation and interest rates will only exacerbate the trend.
Having a financial safety net likeincome protection insurancecan be the difference between recovering at home and feeling forced to work through a serious illness.
