Sickies spike as hospo workers flee Schoolies week, data reveals

Sickies spiked among hospitality workers during Schoolies, new data has suggested.

Accommodation businesses were hit hardest according to workplace platform Deputy, which reported twice the rate of absenteeism compared with the previous seven days in the first week of the Schoolies period.

The data also showed a 71 per cent increase in sickies across Queensland pubs and bars, a 50 per cent increase in coffee shops and cafes, and a 29 per cent increase among fast food staff.

Emma Seymour from Deputy said hospitality workers were the backbone of Schoolies tourism.

“They turn over rooms, pour drinks, prepare meals, manage queues, clean venues, and keep hospitality operations afloat through one of the highest-pressure periods on the Australian events calendar,” she said.

“When these workers call in sick, particularly during the second week, the impact reverberates instantly across venues already running at capacity.”

Fatigue, burnout and crowds are among the reasons why the mid-Schoolies slump is the most costly week for operators, the Deputy data suggests, as businesses face disruption as tourism demand peaks.

Schoolies is a celebration for Australian year 12 graduates, filled with back to back partying and activities.

The iconic event allows school finishers to embrace their new found freedom and make long lasting memories with their friends.

Queensland is the Schoolies capital, with more than 30,000 people expected to visit the Gold Coast alone, according to their website.

Other locations include Byron Bay, Lorne, Rye and Port Stephens as well as two international locations in Fiji and Bali.

According to Unleased Travel, Schoolies generates an estimated $100 million in revenue, with 60 per cent of revenue coming from the Gold Coast alone.