Canadian Federal Workers Took Fewer Sick Days During Pandemic, But Rates Are Climbing Back – And May Surpass Pre-COVID Levels
Ottawa, ON – A fascinating shift in employee health trends is unfolding within the Canadian federal government. New data released by the Canada Treasury Board secretariat shows a significant decrease in sick leave taken by federal employees during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a steady increase as workers have returned to the office. This breaking news offers a unique window into the impact of remote work on public health and raises questions about the future of workplace wellness.
Pandemic-Era Dip in Sick Leave: A Remote Work Effect?
While most federal office employees worked remotely throughout 2020 and 2021, the average number of sick leave days taken across the public service dropped to 5.9. This is a notable decrease compared to pre-pandemic levels of 9.6 days in 2019-2020, 9.8 days in 2018-2019, and 10.4 days in 2017-2018. Experts suggest this reduction wasn’t necessarily about employees being healthier, but rather a change in how they managed illness.
“The reduction in exposure is one of the main factors,” explains Dr. Alykhan Abdulla, a family doctor and board member of the College of Family Physicians of Canada. “Employees were simply less exposed to germs while working from home.” Professor Catherine Connelly, Chair of Research in Management at McMaster University, adds that the ability to work – even at a reduced capacity – while mildly ill likely played a role. “We can perhaps continue to work, without taking sick leave, but also resting more by avoiding home-work journeys,” she notes. This suggests a blurring of the lines between work and wellness, and a potential for ‘presenteeism’ – working while sick – in a remote environment.
Return to Office Fuels Rise in Sick Days
As federal employees began a gradual return to the office starting in early 2022, and with a full return mandated by early 2023, sick leave rates began to climb. The data shows a consistent increase: 8.1 days in 2021-2022, 8.8 days in 2022-2023, and 9.2 days in 2023-2024. This trend is now prompting concerns that sick leave rates could exceed pre-pandemic levels.
Dr. Abdulla anticipates this increase will continue, citing several contributing factors: “Increased exposure, delays in healthcare access, rising mental health challenges, and financial difficulties are all playing a part.” The data also highlights specific areas of concern. Employees of the Canada Border Services Agency and the Correctional Service of Canada consistently reported the highest rates of sick leave, and were also among the least likely to recommend their workplaces as excellent, according to a recent survey.
The Bigger Picture: Workplace Wellness in a Post-Pandemic World
This data isn’t just about sick leave numbers; it’s a reflection of the evolving relationship between work and well-being. The pandemic forced a re-evaluation of traditional workplace norms, and remote work demonstrated the potential for flexibility and reduced exposure to illness. However, the return to office, coupled with broader societal challenges, is creating new pressures on employee health.
Understanding the nuances of these trends is crucial for employers. Simply mandating a return to the office isn’t enough. Investing in robust mental health support, addressing healthcare access barriers, and fostering a culture that prioritizes employee well-being are essential steps. The Canadian federal government’s experience serves as a valuable case study for organizations across the country – and beyond – as they navigate the complexities of the post-pandemic workplace. Full-time employees are generally entitled to over nine hours of paid sick leave per month, but ensuring employees feel comfortable utilizing these benefits, and addressing the root causes of illness, is paramount.
As we move forward, a proactive and empathetic approach to workplace wellness will be key to maintaining a healthy and productive workforce. Stay tuned to archyde.com for ongoing coverage of this developing story and in-depth analysis of the future of work.
