Latest news with #sickleave
South China Morning Post
20 hours ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong moves to curb ‘abuse' of traffic accident compensation
Lawmakers have supported the Hong Kong government's proposal to significantly reduce the number of compensated sick leave days and daily subsidy available to traffic accident victims, claiming that the move will help prevent future abuses of the system. A discussion at a Legislative Council welfare services panel meeting on Monday primarily focused on reviewing the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme. Administered by the Social Welfare Department, the fund provides financial aid to victims of road traffic accidents or their surviving dependants. Currently, the fund offers five types of grants covering compensation for deaths, burials, support for disability or other injuries, and interim maintenance. According to a legislative paper from the Labour and Welfare Bureau, the government plans to introduce a new compassionate grant by merging the existing injury and interim maintenance grants, as they serve similar purposes. The amounts provided to applicants under the injury and interim maintenance categories are assessed based on the number of sick leave or hospitalisation days claimed by the individual.
CNA
4 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Some workplaces 'relaxed' about COVID-19 even when cases spike, say employees
SINGAPORE: After recovering from a bout of sickness, Alicia returned to the office – only to come into contact with a colleague who had contracted COVID-19. After spending just a few hours together, Alicia fell sick again. She believed it was 'highly likely' that she had caught something from the colleague; she ultimately tested positive for COVID-19 and went on to take four days of sick leave. Alicia, who is in her 30s and declined to share her last name, said her company allows those with COVID-19 to work from home or take sick leave, without the need for a medical certificate. Her colleague, however, had not tested for the respiratory disease and went to work as she was feeling better. Besides, there was no 'hard rule' about staying away from the office. This seems to be the new norm in Singapore, where COVID-19 is now considered endemic, and despite periodic surges of cases. In the week of Apr 27 to May 3, for instance, the estimated number of COVID-19 cases rose to 14,200, up from 11,100 the previous week. The Ministry of Health's Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said there was no indication that the variants circulating are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to previous ones. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) lifted all safe management measures back in February 2023. Employees are not required to wear masks or test for COVID-19 before entering the workplace. However, employers may choose which measures they wish to retain, based on business continuity or workplace health and safety reasons, according to MOM's website. LIKE A COMMON COLD Employees CNA spoke to said it appeared that COVID-19 was no longer viewed as a serious threat in their workplaces. They requested to be referred to by their first names only, as they did not want to be identified by their employers. Jasmine, who works in the transport industry, said employees at her company are 'strongly encouraged' to stay at home and isolate if they are unwell. Although she took sick leave when she contracted COVID-19 about a week ago, she observed that some colleagues still show up at the office when they have flu symptoms, and without wearing a mask. 'Being penalised for not reporting back to work – I think that's something that people may have perceived, even though they won't,' said the 50-year-old. 'But in any case, COVID is also now being treated as a common flu." David, who works in finance, caught a bug from his workplace during the COVID-19 wave in May, with almost a third of colleagues on his office floor falling sick then. Although he highly suspected it was COVID-19, he did not test for it. 'I felt better ... and it was just very troublesome to go out and get a test kit. And then, so what if it is COVID, right?' said the 28-year-old, adding that he too sees it as 'synonymous with the flu'. His company has a fully work-from-office arrangement, and those who are unwell can take sick leave without a medical certificate for up to three days. Some workers felt that more relaxed attitudes towards the infectious disease have led to inconveniences. One employee, who requested anonymity, told CNA that companies should still enforce safety measures. He said an outbreak in his office last year infected half of his colleagues. At that time, COVID-19 was already considered endemic. As such, there were no tests required before they returned to work, leading to the spread, he said. Most of the employees were also given only three days of sick leave prior, he added. He protected himself by wearing a mask. 'That's about it,' he said. COMPANY POLICY Most companies that spoke to CNA saw no need to take additional precautionary measures even during spikes, beyond the standard encouraging of employees to stay away from office when unwell. At public relations firm Ellerton & Co., director Oliver Ellerton said the company now emphasises trust and responsibility and treats COVID-19 'similarly to other respiratory illnesses'. If an employee contracts COVID-19, they are encouraged to work from home if their condition allows, or take medical leave to focus on recovery and prevent any potential spread, he said, adding that the company supports hybrid working. Mr Ellerton added that the company does not foresee 'immediate fundamental changes' to their current arrangements. At OCBC, employees who are unwell are encouraged to seek medical attention, said the bank's managing director of group human resources, Mr Ernest Phang. He added that they are encouraged to practise personal and social responsibility. Standard Chartered's Singapore and ASEAN head of human resources Wong Yang-Sheng said the bank similarly trusts its employees to be responsible for their well-being. "They are encouraged to rest at home if they are feeling unwell. They should also observe basic hygiene and social protocols such as wearing a mask if they happen to be in the office," he noted. Eco-tourism company Big Tiny however requires employees to isolate at home should they test positive for COVID-19. CEO Adrian Chia has noticed a 'moderate uptick' in employees reporting flu-like symptoms, though none have been confirmed as COVID-19 cases. While current protocols are deemed sufficient, Big Tiny would be prepared to reinstate stricter measures if case numbers rise sharply or more severe variants emerge, added Mr Chia, who has about 40 employees in Singapore. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Dr Alex Cook, the vice-dean of research at the National University of Singapore's Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, said COVID-19 was now more like the common cold than the 'deadly' pandemic of 2020. As such, it is natural for people to be 'quite relaxed' about it, he said. 'It's worth remembering, though, that people still do die of these viruses, so being socially responsible can save lives,' he said, advising that those with a cough or cold should wear masks and be careful around vulnerable groups like the elderly and those with weakened immunity. Dr Cook added that workplaces should encourage routine vaccination for viruses - such as influenza and COVID-19 - that can disrupt operations. Though the pandemic may seem like a distant memory, human resource experts told CNA that workplaces should continue to remain adaptable with their policies. Now that there are no mandatory restrictions in place, employers should reinforce the importance of personal and social responsibility, said Ms Linda Teo, the country manager of employment agency ManpowerGroup Singapore. 'Even in a strict work-from-office setting, it is advisable for individuals who are unwell to stay home, seek medical advice and obtain a medical certificate if necessary,' she said. Ms Wenna Lee, a senior professional at the Institute for Human Resource Professionals, said: 'As COVID-19 becomes part of our endemic reality, enforcing strict, one-size-fits-all policies – like blanket work-from-home arrangements – may no longer be necessary or effective.' Instead, the HR manager suggested that companies adopt more targeted approaches, such as split-team setups or temporary work-from-home arrangements during spikes, especially if multiple team members fall sick. Organisations should ensure they have clear processes for illness reporting and for returning to work, she added.
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
More people taking sick leave as Australia braces for ‘nasty' flu season and new Covid strain
The number of Aussies taking sick leave has sharply risen as a new Covid subvariant takes hold and the country braces for a 'nasty' winter flu season. can reveal telehealth sick note provider Sicky reported a 108 per cent year-on-year increase in flu-related sick leave requests in March and April, and a 24 per cent rise in Covid-related sick leave requests. Pharmacist Avinash Vazirani, who co-founded Sicky, told us the company had seen an 11 per cent increase in sick certificate requests tied to travel-related flu and Covid cases compared to the same time last year. 'Travel is back in full swing, which is great news for the soul, but it also comes with a few risks,' he said. 'When you board a plane, you're stepping into a confined environment for hours with recirculated air and shared surfaces. That's the perfect storm for transmissible illnesses like Covid-19 and the flu.' Mr Vazirani has urged people who have tested positive to Covid before a flight to reconsider their travel plans. His advice for preventive measures on board? 'Wear a well-fitted mask during the flight, especially when you're not eating or drinking, sanitise your hands often, especially after touching common surfaces or using the loo, and avoid touching your face,' he said. Mr Vazirani stressed that being cautious isn't overkill — 'it's just smart travel'. 'Aussies have a reputation for being proactive about their health, and we're lucky to have access to one of the world's best healthcare systems, but that safety net doesn't travel with your suitcase,' he said. 'Overseas, getting sick can mean language barriers, different medication standards, or even no access to medical help at all depending on where you are. Plus, healthcare costs in some countries can be eye-watering.' While Sicky doesn't know if the increase in Covid-related sick note requests is due to the new NB. 1.8.1 Covid variant, because they don't track the exact strain people have, Mr Vazirani said 'pandemic fatigue is real' and people appear to have eased off on habits like hand sanitising and mask-wearing. The NB. 1.8.1 Covid variant has been designated a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM) by the World Health Organisation as the UN agency says 'continued monitoring is essential'. Since first being recognised in January, it has become the dominant strain in Hong Kong and China, and has been increasing in other countries, including across Australia. It was revealed last week wastewater testing estimates 40 per cent of Covid cases in Victoria, and 50 per cent of cases in Western Australia, are a result of NB. 1.8.1. Health authorities are now speaking out with a push for booster jabs. Health Minister Mark Butler has urged older people, in particular, to get vaccinated and younger people to consider getting a booster too. 'This is another member of the big, sprawling Omicron family,' Mr Butler said on Friday. 'This is pretty consistent with patterns we've seen now for a few years, where a new subvariant of Omicron emerges and starts to spread across the world.' Dr Paul Griffin, director of infectious diseases at Mater Health in Brisbane, said NB. 1.8.1 was 'driving up infections and hospitalisations, particularly in Asia and Western Australia'. 'The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get the newest booster which provides very good coverage, is safe, and will reduce the severity of your symptoms if you contract Covid-19,' he said. As for the flu, in the first three months of the year there were 48,586 lab confirmed cases of influenza, according to the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance Dashboard. That is compared to 30,492 lab confirmed cases during the same period in 2024. Griffith University virologist Associate Professor Lara Herrero has described this flu season as 'nasty,' urging people to also get their annual flu jab. In Victoria, Western Health Chief Operating Officer John Ferraro confirmed changes have been made at his hospitals in response to increase in transmission of influenza, Covid, RSV and measles. He told 3AW that staff were required to wear surgical masks in all patient facing areas, and visitor restrictions had been introduced that rules patients are allowed two visitors each for up to two hours per day. It came after a Victorian woman called the radio show and told them she could not visit her dad in an unnamed hospital. 'On Sunday we were told that there's Covid in the hospital and that we needed to mask up if we wanted to come visit. Today we were told we're not allowed to visit,' the caller said on Tuesday.
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Adrien Gagnon and ESDlife Survey Reveals: Nearly 60% Suffer from Both "Trouble Falling Asleep" and "Waking Easily"
Over 80% of Employees Take Sick Leave Due to Sleep Deprivation; Mondays Are the Most Popular 'Sickie' Days Economic downturn: 91% of respondents feel stressed from work and life 81% report frequent awakenings ; 64% have trouble falling asleep – two distinct sleep problems, doctor explain ; 64% – two distinct sleep problems, doctor explain 78% say stress impacts sleep quality 80% hope to resolve both types of sleep problems; 85% seek long-term sleep solutions Dual Action Release health supplements suggested by pharmacist to tackle both sleep problems Dr. Ka Yau Raymond Wong, Specialist in Psychiatry (center), Mr. Ian Cheung, Registered Pharmacist (left), and Ms. Casey Chow, Head of Media Business at ESDlife (right) participated in the 'Hong Kong Sleep and Stress Survey' press conference. Appendix Most Popular Days for Taking Sick Leave ("Sickies") Percentage Monday 43% After long holidays 25% Friday 24% Day after working overtime 24% Rainy/cold days 18% Wednesday 15% Meeting-heavy days 11% Thursday 9% Deadline days 8% Tuesday 7% Stress Symptoms Percentage Sleep problems / insomnia 78% Irritability 58% Wanting to skip work 47% Loss of motivation 40% Lower work efficiency 34% Social withdrawal 33% Consideration Percentage Product safety and certification 28% Ingredient transparency 22% Effectiveness & longevity (e.g., dual action release) 11% HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 5 June 2025 -As the economic outlook remains gloomy, stress levels among Hongkongers continue to rise. A recent survey shows that many locals feel overwhelmed by stress, which disrupts their sleep and creates a vicious cycle that severely affects both their emotional well-being and physical health. In light of this, Adrien Gagnon commissionedto conduct the "Hong Kong Sleep and Stress Survey" in May 2025. The online survey interviewed 540 respondents in Hong Kong to examine sleep challenges and stress triggers. The goal was to raise awareness about sleep health and stress management, and to guide the public toward natural, long-lasting solutions to improve both "difficulty falling asleep" and "waking easily."Under mounting pressure, many employees admit to "calling in sick" just to take a breather. The survey reveals that 82% have considered taking sick leave simply to avoid work. Among them, 81% cited sleep deprivation, while 64% blamed overwhelming stress. Additionally, 64% of respondents reported having at least one "sickie" impulse per month, a sign that stress has deeply impacted their mental and physical health. When asked about their preferred sick days, the top choices were Mondays (43%), after long holidays (25%), Fridays (24%), the day after working overtime (24%), and rainy or cold days (18%). (See Table 1)Sleep problems top the list of modern-day work-life struggles. Among respondents, 64% reported trouble falling asleep, and a significant 81% said they wake up easily. Almost 60% experience both sleep problems simultaneously. However, 77% said they lack effective methods to address both sleep problems at once. A full 80% expressed a desire for dual action release Dr. Ka Yau Wong, Raymond explained: "Difficulty falling asleep and waking easily are two different sleep disorders. Difficulty falling asleep is usually stress-related, while waking easily may be linked to melatonin levels. Melatonin is only released in the dark, its production decreases with daylight or screen exposure. Dual action release melatonin supplements can provide extended support by releasing melatonin in two phases, helping the body fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. To tackle both sleep problems effectively, one must manage stress and regulate melatonin to improve the sleep cycle and overall sleep quality."Beyond sleep problems, the primary reason workers want to skip work is stress. The survey found that 91% of respondents are currently dealing with stress from work and life, and 83% reported a sense of helplessness. This highlights the prevalence of stress among Hongkongers. Stress was shown to cause sleep problems (78%), irritability (58%), loss of motivation (40%), lower work efficiency (34%), and even social withdrawal (33%) (see Table 2).Alarmingly, 76% of respondents felt more stressed this year than last, yet 40% admitted they are not addressing it and simply hoping it will resolve itself. Meanwhile, 87% noted that stress has negatively impacted their sleep quality. Dr. Wong warned: "Stress-related sleep problems needs timely attention. Prolonged avoidance of stress without proper relief could worsen the condition, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and further deterioration in sleep quality."With nearly 60% experiencing both difficulty falling asleep and waking easily, 85% of respondents said they are looking for long-lasting sleep solutions. Registered pharmacist Mr. Ian Cheung advised: "Those dealing with dual insomnia problems may benefit from melatonin supplements with a 'dual action release' formula for comprehensive effect. These supplements provide an initial fast release to help you fall asleep, followed by a slow, sustained release that maintains melatonin levels overnight, tackling both early and mid-sleep disturbances. Some dual action release melatonin products combine Western herbal ingredients to address stress-related insomnia. If your sleep problems are caused by stress, consider formulas that include calming Western herbs."When it comes to stress and sleep improvement, most respondents prefer natural solutions. "Western herbs likeandare scientifically proven to ease stress and anxiety," Cheung explained. "They can help improve sleep quality and are suitable for those who prefer natural remedies. Reducing stress naturally can prevent work avoidance and maintain daily function."The survey also revealed that 59% of respondents were aware that Western herbal supplements can aid in sleep and stress relief. When selecting health supplements, 63% prefer Western brands, and 72% are willing to try herbal ingredients for stress relief. Cheung added, "If symptoms persist despite using natural products, professional medical consultation should be considered."For more information, please visit:Table 1: Most Popular Days for Taking Sick Leave ("Sickies")Table 2: Impact of Stress on Sleep and Daily LifeTable 3: Key Factors in Choosing Western Herbal SupplementsHashtag: #AdrienGagnon The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Adrien Gagnon Founded in 1946 by renowned naturopathy expert Mr. Adrien Gagnon, the ADRIEN GAGNON brand is one of the renowned and sizable natural health companies with long history in Quebec, Canada. With more than 160 products on the market, ADRIEN GAGNON brand is synonymous with high quality and has repeatedly set the bar for superior health products in terms of value, selection and brand recognition. ADRIEN GAGNON's plant in Canada is accredited with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). ADRIEN GAGNON has become one of the trusted health supplement brands About ESDlife ESDlife, a joint venture of CK Hutchison (formerly Hutchison Whampoa) and Hewlett-Packard HK SAR, operates the award-winning website ( and establishes it as one of the most popular and trusted online lifestyle media in Hong Kong. The online platform of ESDlife is furnished with a wide range of lifestyles information under the categories of Wedding, Family, Health and Anniversary. In addition to the prominent No. 1 position of its Wedding Channel in Hong Kong, an e-commerce platform is provided to consumers by offering medical check-up ordering services. ESDlife also delivers integrated marketing and digital solutions to diversified corporate clients.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
The public sector sicknote epidemic: They're 60% more likely to be off than staff who work for private firms
Public sector workers are 60 per cent more likely to be off work due to illness than employees in the private sector. The extent of Britain's sick note epidemic is exposed in Office for National Statistics figures that reveal 148.9 million working days were lost last year, equivalent to 4.4 days for each worker. And the share of such absences among public sector employees was 2.9 per cent, significantly higher than the private sector's 1.8 per cent. The ONS claimed it could be explained by differences in types of jobs in the sectors and that workers in state-funded jobs were more likely to be paid for being off than those in private employment. But John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Taxpayers are fed up with footing the bill for a public sector that's far more likely to be off sick. 'It reflects poor management and weak accountability. In the private sector, this would raise serious questions – in the public sector, it's too often ignored. Ministers must set clearer expectations, better oversight and ensure taxpayers aren't left footing the bill for unchecked absenteeism.' Sick rates have been higher in the public sector for every year on record, the ONS said. But in both cases, rates were lower last year than in 2023. The overall number of working days lost last year was 14.9 million down from 2023 but still 9.9 million higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The sickness absence rate of 2.5 per cent for women was higher than for men, at 1.6 per cent. James Cockett, from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, said some public sector roles – healthcare, education, social care and policing – could increase exposure to illness and also often be 'physically and emotionally demanding'. He said this could lead to greater rates of stress-related absence He added more public sector employers offer occupational sick pay compared with private sector employers.' Len Shackleton, of the Institute of Economic Affairs think-tank, said: 'Private sector workers are more likely to be employed in small workplaces where absence is more noticeable and they may feel obliged not to let colleagues down. 'Their jobs may also be less secure than those in the public sector, again a motive for 'presenteeism' [where employees go to work despite being sick] which public sector workers don't feel to the same extent.'
