Federal government officials are unlikely to call for illness to work during the Covid-19 pandemic, new government data shows.
Figures shared by the Canadian Secretariat's Finance Committee show that between 2020 and 21, when the pandemic was working completely remotely, public services sick days were 5.9.
The number increased by 8.1 in 2021-22, 8.8 in 2022-23, and by 9.2 in 2023-24.
Most office workers stayed home for work during the pandemic in 2020 and most of 2021. Some federal employees returned to in-person work in 2022, but in the first few months of 2023, all civil servants gradually returned to the office for at least two to three days.
Previously, it has been shown that civil servants took an average of 9.6 days for 2019-20, an average of 9.8 days for 2018-19, and an average of 10.4 days for 2017-18.
Dr. Alykhan Abdulla, family physician and board director at the Canadian College of Family Physicians, said that reduced exposure is one of the main factors in the reduction in illness days.
Get weekly health news
Receive the latest medical news and health information provided every Sunday.
Abdullah said that if the employee had been ill during the pandemic, he might have been working from home, although he may be less productive.
Abdullah said sick days could increase again due to increased exposure and harassment of returning to post-pandemic offices. He said he expects that numbers will rise above pre-pandemic rates due to factors such as delayed healthcare, more exposure, mental health illness and economic struggles.
More Video Details
According to the Finance Committee, average use on sick days includes those who did not use sick leave or who used up sick leave from their banks before accessing long-term disability benefits.
Between 2017-18 and 2023-24, Canadian Border Services and Correctional Services Canada employees were consistent across sectors and agencies who spent the most sick days.
Trend now
What will happen to Trump's tariffs now that the federal court of appeals overthrow them?
Hiker recovers after falling near Skamish after 18m
A federal civil servant survey published earlier this year suggested that employees in these organizations are least likely to recommend their offices as a great location.
According to the Canadian government website, full-time employees typically earn sick leave at just nine hours or more per month.
The employee says, “If your employer is satisfied with your condition due to illness or injury and has the necessary illness credit, you are allowed to pay wages when you are unable to perform your duties.
Catherine Connelly, professor and chairman of the Business Research Committee at McMaster University's Human Resources Administration, said that people who work from home don't commute and aren't around their colleagues, so they may have fewer bacteria.
Connery said that even if she's a little sick, it's possible that people are working from home.
“You can still work and not take sick days, you can also take extra extra rest because you're not commuting,” Connelly said. “For that extra rest, maybe don't get really sick.
& Copy 2025 Canada Report