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Flu Surge Leads to Telehealth Sick Leave Pushback in Australia
Australia is currently grappling with a significant increase in flu cases, leading to tensions in workplaces over sick leave verification. Many employers are increasingly demanding medical certificates from employees for even brief sick absences, while some workers find it challenging to visit a doctor when unwell. This situation has sparked a so-called “quiet war” in offices across the nation.
Telehealth Services on the Rise
Telehealth services have emerged as a convenient option for many Australians, with recent figures showing that one in four have utilised telehealth consultations over the past year. Avinash Vazirani, co-founder of Sicky—a platform that provides telehealth sick leave certificates—highlighted the legality of these certificates under Australian workplace laws. However, he noted a surge in employers questioning their validity.
With the growing adoption of telehealth, Vazirani mentioned that Sicky now receives about three inquiries per day from employers sceptical of its certificates, a stark increase from merely one per month last year. He attributes this rise in pushback to two factors: misunderstandings about telehealth and an inherent distrust that employees might be misusing the system.
The Cost-Effective Solution
Sicky offers live video consultations with registered health professionals for $19.95, followed by a certification sent via email. This cost is significantly lower than the average out-of-pocket expense for a general practitioner (GP) visit, which is approximately $43.38. Despite suspicions, Vazirani insists that telehealth sick notes are not merely a loophole for employees to take unqualified sick leave.
He clarifies that Sicky’s system involves rigorous checks, with about 13% of requests being rejected due to improper claims. This rejection rate has slightly increased since the platform’s inception in 2020, further demonstrating the seriousness with which they approach sick leave assessments.
Workplace Regulations and Future Considerations
According to the National Employment Standards, employers have the right to request evidence from workers taking sick leave, applicable even for absences of just a day. This evidence can come in the form of medical certificates or statutory declarations, which Australians can easily obtain online through their myGov accounts.
Vazirani advocates for a cultural shift within workplaces, cautioning that failing to recognise telehealth certificates could lead to breaches of workplace regulations. He posits that GPs are encouraging telehealth for minor ailments to prioritise face-to-face consultations for more acute cases.
The Conversation on Sick Leave Validation
As discussions continue, some healthcare professionals and workplace experts suggest that the traditional necessity for medical certificates may soon be outdated. In countries like the UK, staff only need to self-certify for short sick leave durations, which could pave the way for similar reforms in Australia.
As the flu season intensifies and accessibility to bulk-billing clinics becomes more challenging, the role of telehealth services, such as Sicky, will likely be accentuated in Australian workplaces. Their rapid adoption reflects an evolving landscape where convenience and the need for efficient healthcare access are becoming paramount.
Conclusion
In summary, while the increase in flu cases strains many Australian workplaces, telehealth services are providing an essential lifeline for workers needing sick leave certification. The pushback from employers highlights the need for a better understanding of telehealth in the context of workplace policies, as the conversation surrounding sick leave validation continues to evolve.
