Taiwanese workers opt for paid leave over sick leave, citing concerns over reviews

Despite legal protections guaranteeing 30 days of sick leave annually under Taiwan's Labor Standards Act, a growing number of employees are opting to use their paid annual leave when they fall ill. This trend has sparked discussion among netizens, with many expressing a preference for using special leave over sick leave when feeling unwell.

One netizen shared on the Dcard platform that during a recent gathering with friends, the conversation turned to company leave policies. It became apparent that most individuals, even while acknowledging their entitlement to 30 sick days per year, instinctively reach for their special leave first when they experience health issues. This phenomenon has left the original poster puzzled, as sick leave is a legally protected right.

Reasons cited for this preference include a fear of negative repercussions from employers, such as displeased reactions or a detrimental impact on performance evaluations. Over time, sick leave has seemingly become a theoretical benefit, rarely utilized in practice. The original poster argued that special leave is intended for rest, personal arrangements, family time, or travel, while sick leave should be reserved for actual illness. Using one's special leave for sickness feels counterintuitive and unfair.

Responses from other netizens echoed these sentiments. Some pointed out that sick leave often comes with stricter requirements, such as needing a doctor's note or proof of illness. Others noted that individuals with ample special leave and higher salaries might prioritize using it, as sick leave can result in a deduction of half a month's salary. The consensus suggests that unless an employee is unconcerned about their performance review and their supervisor's perception, prioritizing sick leave might not seem necessary.