Most common reasons for sick days in Australia

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.

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Overview

Feeling unwell can sometimes make it hard to decide whether to take a day off or push through work. Understand the most common reasons for taking sick leave — from seasonal illnesses like colds and flu to ongoing conditions such as migraines, back pain, or stress-related fatigue. It also highlights how mental health has become an equally important factor, with issues like anxiety and burnout now recognised as valid reasons to rest and recover. The piece encourages readers to listen to their bodies, take time off when genuinely needed, and avoid working while sick — both for their own well-being and for those around them. It also explains when seeking medical advice or a doctor cert online might be necessary, helping people make informed decisions about managing their health responsibly.

Why sick leave matters

Sick leave is important to employee well-being in Australia. It helps students and employees get the much-needed time off when suffering from an illness. A sick leave certificate online acts as trustworthy proof of absence for employers and institutions. Whether it is a simple flu or an infection such as COVID-19 that needs extended absence, sick leaves help in ensuring you can rest and recover without losing pay. According to the Fair Work Ombudsman¹, full-time and part-time employees get 10 days of paid sick or carer’s leave per year in Australia.

Sick leave trends in Australia

Here are some key statistics and sick leave trends in Australia. These statistics reflect the evolving nature of sick leave in Australia. Recent trends show the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, hybrid work environments, and increased awareness of mental health issues on sick leave.

• Full-time staff averaged at 8.3 days of sick leave in 2023².
• By 2024, the average sick leave has increased to 13.8 days per year for every employee³.
• In 2021-22, 5% of people who worked in the previous 12 months experienced a work-related injury or illness⁴.
• According to a report by the Australian Institute of Family Studies,⁵ about one in seven workers who have a living parent or parent-in-law took time off to provide help to a parent.
• In 2017, 93% of women who worked while pregnant took leave⁶.

Top reasons Australians take sick leave

Common reasons for sick leave in Australia

Common illnesses:

Most common illnesses, such as cold, flu, fevers, cough, stomach-ache and more, are some of the main reasons for sick leave. Some of the common illnesses for which employees take sick leave include:

• Colds, fevers, and flu
• Stomach-ache, gastro, food poisoning, diarrhoea and vomiting
• Infections such as sore throat, viral illnesses and more

Chronic conditions:

Changes in chronic conditions such as asthma flare-ups, migraines and more might require some time off from work or school to recover, leading to sick leave. If you have some changes in conditions, such as blood pressure, that affect you, you can get a day off as well.

Mental health reasons:

Mental health disorders, including anxiety, stress, and depression, are now widely accepted as valid reasons for taking sick leave. These conditions can significantly affect a person’s ability to focus, communicate with coworkers, and work performance. If you are feeling burned out or stressed due to work, these are also considered as valid medical leave reasons in Australia.

Injuries:

You can take a day off from work or a long leave for injuries in personal life or at work. A sprain, an ankle injury, a back injury, fractures, accidents and physical trauma are some examples of injuries you can take sick leave for.

Pregnancy issues:

During pregnancy, women may require time off for health reasons, including morning sickness, complications, or medical appointments. You can get sick leave for pregnancy issues in Australia.

Carer’s leave:

Whether you need to take a day off to care for your loved one, assist your parent to the hospital or be with your child when sick, it is all accepted.

Musculoskeletal disorders:

Issues such as joint pain, back pain, and injuries due to physical strain are common reasons to take off from work or school.

Why workplaces require a medical certificate?

According to the Fair Work Act 2009, employees are entitled to paid sick leave every calendar year and the employer has the right to ask for proof of this illness. This proof is none other than a medical certificate from a registered practitioner. A medical certificate validates the illness because of which an employee is taking leave. This helps in solving any trust issues that might arise at the workplace or can be used as legal evidence in some cases. This is a formal letter from a qualified doctor or health practitioner in Australia, reaffirming your illness. This ensures a sick leave is only taken when you have a valid reason. It prevents misuse of sick leave, laying unnecessary workload on other colleagues and acts as legal record in cases of disagreement.

How Hola Health may be able to help

Hola Health is an Australian telehealth platform that connects you with registered doctors and nurse practitioners — from the comfort of your home, at a time that suits you. Depending on your situation, a Hola Health clinician may be able to help with:

• 24/7 General medical advice via telehealth doctor consult — talk through symptoms or health concerns with a registered doctor or medical practitioner
• Medical certificate online  — for work or personal leave, when clinically appropriate
• Referrals to specialists - or in-person services when needed
• Online scripts — at a clinician's discretion and where clinically suitable
• Pathology or imaging requests — when assessed as appropriate by your treating clinician

Hola Health clinicians are AHPRA-registered Doctors and medical practitioners in Australia. They will always recommend an in-person consultation, specialist referral, or emergency care if that is in your best interest. Note: Telehealth is not suitable for all conditions. Hola Health does not replace your regular GP, specialist, or emergency services. If you are unsure whether telehealth is right for your situation, we recommend speaking with your usual healthcare provider. In emergencies, call 000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take sick leave to care for a sick family member?

Yes, you can take a carer’s leave which is part of your sick leave to care for a sick family member. You can take a carer's leave when caring for immediate family members such as spouse, parents, you child or someone who is under your care formally. The process for taking the carer’s leave is like a normal sick leave and employer may ask for a medical certificate in this case.

Should I take sick leave even if my symptoms are mild?

It depends. You can take a sick leave if you feel your symptoms might hamper your productivity and will get worse with any amount of strain. For infectious illnesses such as a flu or gastro, it is important to protect yourself and your colleagues from the spread of illness. It is advised to stay at home and take a sick leave in this case.

Do I need a medical certificate for a sick day?

It depends on your workplace policies and your contract. If your employer needs a medical certificate for a sick day, then you should obtain one.

Can I get a sick certificate online?

Yes, you can get a sick certificate online for most common illnesses, injuries, chronic conditions, carer’s leave and for mental health reasons.

What’s the difference between sick leave and carer’s leave?

Sick leave is when you are ill or when you have a medical condition that needs you to take off from work. Carer’s leave is taken by you when you are taking care of your loved one who is sick.

What are the most common reasons people take sick leave in Australia?

The most common reasons include minor illnesses such as colds, cough, flu, infections, food poisoning, pregnancy related issues, injuries and carer’s leave.

Should I take sick leave for a cold?

Yes, cold especially when occurred through a viral or bacterial infection can spread easily. You can take a sick leave when you are feeling uncomfortable with the symptoms and reduce the risk of potential exposure to your colleagues.

Should I take sick leave for mental health reasons?

Yes, if your mental health reasons are hindering your ability to work, you should take a sick leave for mental health. It is common in Australia to take a mental health day off from work to cope with stress and burnout.