Employees considering using Australia Day to kick off a four-day weekend are reminded to do the right thing and apply for an annual leave day on Friday, the South Australian Business Chamber said today.
“With Australia Day falling on a Thursday, plenty of people will want to take the day off work on Friday to make the most of summer and the final days of the school holidays with a long weekend getaway,” the South Australian Business Chamber Chief Executive Officer, Nigel McBride said.
“Employees wanting to take an extended break really should do the right thing: apply for a day of annual leave on Friday rather than ‘chucking a sickie’. Misusing sick leave undermines trust in the workplace, puts extra strain on colleagues doing the right thing and leaves people short of sick leave when they legitimately need it.”
According to the South Australian Business Chamber, the number of Australians taking sick leave on Friday could be approximately 180,000 people more than a typical workday, costing Australian employers more than $62 million.
“If someone is unexpectedly absent their manager or colleagues need to pick up the extra workload, which places a burden on people who are busy doing their own job. This can result in reduced services and extended waiting times for customers and clients,” Mr McBride said.
“Workplaces operate best where there is a high level of trust between managers and staff. Personal leave is an important workplace right, and people who misuse it may find that they have none left when they genuinely need it.”
“Of course, not everyone is able to take a long weekend. Across Australia Day and the weekend there will be many people hard at work, including providing the essential services that we all depend on. Many business operators and their staff will also be busy, particularly in retail, hospitality and tourism.”
The issue of misusing sick leave isn’t limited to Australia Day, Mr Bride explained.
“With Anzac Day also on a Tuesday this year, the issue will raise its head again in April.”
Media ContactSonia Bavistock
Media & Communications Executive
0477 006 475
soniab@business-sa.com
