Politics
Sick Days Surge Among Federal Public Servants Post-Pandemic

The number of sick days taken by federal public servants in Canada has seen a significant increase as employees transition back to in-person work after the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat reveals that average sick days rose from 5.9 in the 2020-21 fiscal year to 9.2 days in 2023-24. This trend indicates a shift in health and work dynamics as many employees return to the office environment.
During the height of the pandemic, most federal office workers operated remotely, leading to a lower average of sick days taken. As the country moved into 2021-22, sick days increased to 8.1 days, followed by 8.8 days in 2022-23. Historical data shows that before the pandemic, the average number of sick days was 9.6 in 2019-20, 9.8 in 2018-19, and 10.4 in 2017-18. These numbers highlight the evolving challenges faced by public servants as they adapt to new workplace conditions.
Factors Contributing to Increased Sick Days
Dr. Alykhan Abdulla, a family doctor and board director of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, attributes the reduced number of sick days during the pandemic to limited exposure to illnesses while working from home. He noted that employees had the option to work remotely even when feeling unwell, though this may have impacted their productivity. Abdulla anticipates that sick days may continue to rise beyond pre-pandemic levels due to various factors, including increased exposure, mental health challenges, and delayed healthcare access.
The Treasury Board has clarified that the average sick day usage accounts for both employees who did not take any sick leave and those who utilized their banked sick leave before moving on to long-term disability benefits. Data from 2017-18 to 2023-24 indicates that employees from the Canada Border Services Agency and the Correctional Service Canada consistently ranked among the highest for sick leave usage. A recent survey revealed that these employees were also less likely to endorse their workplace as a desirable environment.
Implications of Remote Work on Health and Productivity
The Government of Canada states that full-time employees accrue sick leave at a rate of just over nine hours per month. Sick leave is granted with pay when employees are unable to fulfill their duties due to illness or injury, contingent upon having sufficient sick leave credits.
Catherine Connelly, a professor and business research chair in human resources and management at McMaster University, suggests that working from home may reduce exposure to germs since employees are not commuting or in close contact with colleagues. She also posits that some individuals may continue working even when mildly ill, opting to rest more since they are not commuting. “You can maybe still work, not take a sick day, but also rest extra because you’re not commuting,” Connelly explained. “Because of that extra rest, maybe you don’t get really sick, so sick that you have to take some time off.”
This report highlights the ongoing impact of the pandemic on workplace health and employee behavior. As public servants navigate the complexities of returning to the office, understanding the reasons behind the increase in sick days will be crucial for both employers and employees in adapting to the evolving landscape of work.
This article was originally published on August 31, 2025, by The Canadian Press.
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