Aussie workers powering through winter sickness a ‘worrying trend’

Workers across Australia refuse to let seasonal illnesses stop them from showing up to work despite the potential pitfalls it can cause individually and for the business.

New research from people2people Recruitment has revealed that despite a number of seasonal illnesses circulating around Australia, workers are powering through their symptoms and still showing up to work.

According to the survey, May 2025 accounted for a sharp rise in illness-related workplace pressure. The data showed that despite the growing awareness around health and mental wellbeing, Aussie workers are going to work sick due to feelings of guilt, or lack of sick leave.

In comparison to the previous year’s data, the figure has slightly increased in terms of workers (63 per cent) admitting to going to work while they are sick due to a lack of available personal/sick leave.

Back in 2024, 39 per cent of respondents took three or fewer days of their 10-day sick leave entitlement – that figure has leapt to a staggering 60 per cent in 2025, with the number of workers taking 10-plus sick days having halved since 2024 (35 per cent to 22 per cent).

“This signals a worrying trend,” said Suhini Wijayasinghe, head of HR solutions at people2people Recruitment.

“Employees are pushing through illness, likely due to leave pressure, guilt, or workplace culture, and that doesn’t help anyone in the long run. Even when working from home, the expectation to stay ‘productive’ while unwell can prolong recovery, reduce overall effectiveness, and contribute to a toxic cycle where rest is devalued.

“We need to remember that working remotely is not a substitute for genuine rest. If you’re sick, you need to stop, not just shift locations.”

In terms of why workers weren’t opting to use their sick leave, 22 per cent felt guilty, 18 per cent were too busy, and 16 per cent feared judgement.

“This level of emotional resistance to sick leave is deeply ingrained. The data shows that many employees are too anxious or overwhelmed to take the rest they need, and that’s contributing to burnout and increased illness across teams,” said Wijayasinghe.

For employers to address sickness in the workforce, people2people recommended:

• Promote a guilt-free sick leave culture – set the tone from leadership down.
• Offer or subsidise flu vaccinations – it’s what most staff want.
• Encourage early leave-taking – prevent the spread by allowing minor illness time to recover.
• Communicate sick leave procedures clearly – many employees still feel unclear about how to take leave appropriately.

On the other side, employees should:

• Use your leave when you’re unwell – rest now, perform better later.
• Speak with your manager if leave has run out – there may be flexible or unpaid options available.
• Get vaccinated early – especially if you missed it last year.
• Know your rights and procedures – understand how to apply for sick leave and what documentation is required.

“This winter could be one of the worst in recent years,” said Wijayasinghe.

“But it’s also an opportunity for workplaces to create real change in how we treat health, recovery, and the pressure to ‘push through’. Leaders need to set the example by taking sick leave themselves when needed, and by supporting their teams in doing the same.

“The cost of ignoring it is far greater than the cost of a few days’ absence. Long term, a well-rested workforce is a more productive and loyal one.”