Your head is pounding, your nose is running - but you don't want to take sick leave straight away. After all, it's "only" a cold. But that's actually the wrong decision. Because if you're ill, you'll make more mistakes and perhaps even infect your colleagues - so you'll harm the company, other people and yourself. In most cases, a "yellow slip" makes more sense. But what is allowed when you are on sick leave? We have the answers.
When and how do I have to call in sick?
If you wake up in the morning and realize: I can't work today under any circumstances, you should inform your boss as soon as possible. Every company has different rules on how to do this - by phone, email, text message or WhatsApp. You should always ask about this. If you already know that you will be going to the doctor, you should state the date in the message or during the conversation and add that you will be in touch immediately afterwards.
Can you go to work despite being on sick leave?
You have been on sick leave for a while, but you feel fit again and want to get started ... In principle, this is possible. The doctor's note is not a ban on working, but merely certifies that you are currently unable to do your job. But of course it makes sense to stay at home until you are really fully fit and healthy again.
How long can I stay at home without a medical certificate?
The general rule is that employees are allowed to stay at home for three days. If you notice that you are not feeling better, you must submit a certificate of incapacity to work to your employer on the fourth day at the latest. However, the employer may request such a certificate from the first day. There may therefore be special regulations depending on the company.
Does the boss have to know the reason for the illness?
No, he does not have to. The certificate consists of several pieces of paper. The version for the health insurance company states the reason for the illness. The copy for the employer only states the period of incapacity for work.
What happens if the child is ill?
Every employee is entitled to ten days off work per year if the child is ill. It is important that you have a sick note issued by a doctor immediately on the first day. This must be submitted to the employer and the health insurance company. The health insurance fund will pay your wages - but not in full.
How long are continued salary payments made for?
If you have a long-term illness and therefore have to stay at home for weeks or months, your employer will continue to pay your salary for six weeks. However, this only applies if you were previously employed by the company for at least four weeks without any absences. After the six weeks, you are entitled to sick pay. This is around 70 percent of your gross salary.
Unemployed and sick - what do I need to bear in mind?
If you are registered as unemployed, you must submit a certificate of incapacity for work to the employment agency in the event of illness, as you will not be immediately available for work. If you are on sick leave for longer than six weeks, the same applies as for employees: sick pay is then paid by the health insurance fund.