Faking the flu: 2 in 5 Aussies chuck a sickie when healthy
Australians are using their sick leave for everything from retail therapy to attending sporting matches, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,004 respondents revealed nearly 2 in 5 Aussies (39%) have taken a sick day in the past 12 months for a reason other than being sick.
That's the equivalent of 8.3 million people who have skipped work under the disguise of 'sick leave' at a cost of about $402 per worker per day.
Finder analysis shows that in the last year these "non-sick, sick days" have cost employers more than $3.4 billion in lost productivity.
With the Melbourne Cup around the corner, the nation's biggest sickie sweep might be about to hit.
Almost 1 in 5 (19%) have chucked a sickie simply to have a day off, while 1 in 8 (13%) have used the time to hit the shops instead of the tissue box.
The research found 12% have used sick leave to care for an unwell family member, and 8% have taken the day to simply hang out with a mate.
Angus Kidman, money expert at Finder, said a lot of Aussies are stretching the definition of 'sick'.
"Taking a day off to go shopping or hang out with friends isn't what sick leave is for.
"A lot of workers are treating sick leave as a personal bonus day. It might feel harmless, but it chips away at trust and productivity. It's one thing to need rest, it's another to treat personal leave as a free day out."
Pets and beach days are also making the list – 7% said they've taken a day of sick leave to care for a furry friend, while the same proportion (7%) traded the office for the ocean breeze.
Meanwhile, 6% said they used their sick day for some much-needed extra sleep, 5% clocked off early for a holiday, and 4% headed to a sporting event.
Worryingly, 4% admitted they have chucked a sickie to gamble.
Kidman said between rising costs and no spare time, some people are using sick days to catch up on life admin or care duties.
"That's a reflection of how stretched households have become.
"This is a signal to rethink how we manage wellbeing. The cost of burnout and disengagement is far higher than a few cheeky sick days.
"It's important to have a well-stocked emergency fund and have income protection so you're not worried about how your health might impact your work life."
Have you taken a sick day in the last 12 months to do any of the following?
| Have a day off | 19% |
| Go shopping | 13% |
| Take care of a sick family member | 12% |
| Hang out with a friend | 8% |
| Take care of a pet | 7% |
| Go to the beach | 7% |
| A duvet day (staying in bed) | 6% |
| Go on a holiday early | 5% |
| Attend a sporting event | 4% |
| Gamble | 4% |
| None of the above | 61% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,004 respondents, September 2025 |  |
Methodology
- Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker is a monthly recurring nationally representative survey of more than 60,000 respondents.
- Figures in this release are based on 1,004 respondents from September 2025.
- The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
- The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.
Sources
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