Part-time mining company worker Ellie Randazzo, 23, struggles with chronic pain.
In recent years, several operations to treat endometriosis have left her with nerve damage.
"It causes me to vomit daily, so that happens a lot at work," she says.
"I've got to run off and deal with that, and then come back and collect myself – it is really difficult."
Why do people go to work when they're sick?
It's a bit grim when you're having to show up for work sick or injured because you need the pay – or you're worried you'll get fired.
A survey done by the ACTU suggests that's exactly what thousands of Australians in insecure work are doing every day.
It found 37 per cent of workers in insecure jobs – including contractors, casuals, part-time and gig-economy workers – say they've worked while injured.
Labor market economist Leonora Risse agrees it's a big problem – and it extends to workers who turn up at work when sick.
"We've always had some degree of insecure work in the workforce, but this is shining a light on the need to address it," she says.
Dr Risse says that employers may need their workers, but they also need them to be healthy.
"I think it does call for a shift in workforce culture so employers will be more understanding and supportive of what we might call the wellbeing needs of their workers."
'There's probably not a day I haven't been in pain'
Ms Randazzo says she pushes herself to go to work every day because she needs the money.
"There's probably not a day I haven't been in pain since all of this started," she says.
"I'm now at a point where my power bills – every bill – are behind at the moment, so I'm really struggling."
She's entitled to some sick leave but worries she'll lose her job if she takes too much time off.
The economy needs healthy workers
Dr Risse say the economy needs a fully fit workforce, especially now as the economy comes under pressure.
"From a health point of view, as well as an economic point of view, it means we really don't give ourselves the best chance to fully rebound back to the full productive potential of the workforce," she says.
Ellie Randazzo just wants to get back to full health.
"They don't understand how hard it truly is," she says.
"Because I physically don't look like there's something wrong with me, it's really hard to get a bit of understanding from people who have never experienced it before."
As cost-of-living pressures rise, and a new wave of COVID looms, the fear is that more Australians will soldier on – because staying at home in bed without earning any income is too costly.
"It's very likely we're going to see people return to work even if they're sick, out of financial necessity," Dr Risse says.
