Publications
Partners
Cape Town - A new survey has unveiled some of the leading excuses used by workers who fancy a day off from work.
READ: Workers plan on 'pulling a sickie' this winter
According to a survey released by Pharma Dynamics, almost 40% of South Africans are planning on “pulling a sickie” in June or July.
The generic pharmaceutical company polled 1 500 workers across the country to find out how people were gearing up for the colds and flu season. They also highlighted their excuses for calling in sick.
The survey also found that the most popular way to call in sick is SMSing or sending a WhatsApp (62%). Less than a third (30%) does so telephonically (probably as a result of strict company policy) and 7% informs work of their absenteeism via email.
Pharma Dynamics spokesperson Nicole Jennings said employers are
perfectly within their right to challenge the authenticity of an excuse
by requesting a doctor’s note or ask for evidence if they start to
notice a pattern of absenteeism, which should keep the habit in check.
A combination of miserable weather and the expected spate of colds and flu in winter most likely makes June and July the most popular months of the year to take a duvet day, said Jennings.
READ: Sick leave costs SA billions
The result of sickness-related absenteeism on the economy has been enormous, according to the most recently available Adcorp Holdings’ employment index. It said that cumulatively, since 2000 the economy lost R55.2bn in real terms due to sickness.
More recently, South Africa was ranked last among 19 nations in a global survey that measured healthcare system efficiency – the ability to deliver maximum results at the lowest possible cost.
The Future Health Index showed that South Africa’s efficiency ratio was the lowest out of the 19 countries in the study, which included countries such as France, the US, Argentina, United Arab Emirates, China and Brazil.
South Africa scored 4.4 compared to the group average of 10.5.
SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE UPDATE: Get Fin24's top morning business news and opinions in your inbox.
Read Fin24's top stories trending on Twitter: Fin24’s top stories
