Number of sick days taken by public servants growing post-COVID
Federal Public Servants Took Fewer Sick Days During COVID-19 Pandemic
OTTAWA — Government data released by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat shows that federal public servants took fewer sick days during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The average number of sick days for public service employees was 5.9 in 2020-21, a significant decrease from previous years.
Impact of Remote Work on Sick Leave
With most office employees working remotely in 2020 and 2021, the reduced exposure to germs and the ability to work from home while sick contributed to the decrease in sick days. However, as employees gradually returned to in-person work in 2022 and 2023, the average number of sick days increased to 8.1, 8.8, and 9.2 days, respectively.
Factors Contributing to Sick Leave
Dr. Alykhan Abdulla, a family doctor and board director of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, attributes the rise in sick days to increased exposure, reluctance to return to the office post-pandemic, delayed healthcare, mental health issues, and financial struggles. These factors may continue to impact sick leave rates beyond pre-pandemic levels.
Departmental Variances in Sick Days
Employees at the Canada Border Services Agency and Correctional Service Canada consistently took the most sick days between 2017-18 and 2023-24. A survey of federal public servants also indicated that employees at these organizations were among the least likely to recommend their office as a great place to work.
Work-from-Home Benefits
Working from home may have contributed to fewer sick days as employees encountered fewer germs from commuting and co-workers. Additionally, the flexibility of working from home allowed employees to work while mildly sick and rest extra, potentially preventing more severe illnesses that would require time off.
Overall, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sick leave rates among federal public servants highlights the importance of flexible work arrangements and employee well-being. As workplaces continue to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, finding a balance between productivity and employee health will be crucial.
This article was originally published by The Canadian Press on August 31, 2025.
Written by Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press
