Sick Leave

Sick leave is a period of absence from work granted to an employee due to illness, injury, or other health-related issues. It allows employees to recover without the added stress of losing income or their job. The specific rules and regulations surrounding sick leave vary significantly by country, region, and even by individual company policy.

Beyond simply complying with legal requirements, providing adequate sick leave offers numerous benefits for both employees and the organisation as a whole.

Protects employee health

Allowing employees to take sick leave when they are unwell is crucial for their recovery and helps prevent the spread of illness within the workplace. This ensures a healthier workforce overall and reduces the likelihood of widespread illnesses.

Promotes workplace safety

When employees come to work sick, their ability to perform tasks safely can be compromised, potentially leading to accidents or errors, especially in roles that require physical labour or the operation of machinery. Sick leave helps mitigate these risks by ensuring employees are at their best when on duty.

Supports legal compliance

Many countries and regions have laws mandating employers to provide a certain amount of sick leave, either paid or unpaid. Adhering to these regulations is essential for legal compliance and avoids potential penalties. For more information on specific country regulations, explore our Global Hiring Guides.

Builds trust

Offering adequate sick leave demonstrates an employer's commitment to employee well-being. This fosters a sense of trust and loyalty, leading to higher employee morale and retention. When employees feel valued, they are more likely to be engaged and productive.

Boosts productivity

While it might seem counterintuitive, allowing employees to take sick leave can actually boost overall productivity. Sick employees are less efficient, make more mistakes, and can spread illness to colleagues, leading to a net loss in productivity. Well-rested and recovered employees are more focused and effective.

Reduces presenteeism

Presenteeism, the act of coming to work while sick, is detrimental to both the individual and the organisation. It leads to decreased productivity, longer recovery times, and the potential spread of illness. Generous sick leave policies help reduce presenteeism.

Sick leave isn't a one-size-fits-all concept; it can manifest in various forms, each with its implications for both employers and employees.

Paid sick leave

Paid sick leave means that an employee continues to receive their regular wages while they are absent due to illness or injury. The amount of pay and the duration can vary depending on the company policy, employment contract, or national legislation.

Unpaid sick leave

Unpaid sick leave allows an employee to take time off for illness, but they do not receive wages for this period. This is more common in countries or companies where there is no legal mandate for paid sick leave, or once an employee has exhausted their paid sick leave entitlement.

Short-term vs. long-term sick leave

Short-term sick leave typically refers to absences lasting a few days or weeks, often due to common illnesses like the flu, a cold, or minor injuries.

Long-term sick leave refers to extended periods of absence, often lasting several weeks, months, or even longer, due to serious illnesses, surgeries, or chronic conditions. This often involves more complex policies, medical certifications, and sometimes disability benefits or specific return-to-work programs.

Statutory sick leave

Statutory sick leave refers to the minimum amount of sick leave that employers are legally required to provide to their employees, as stipulated by national or regional laws. The terms of statutory sick pay (if applicable) and the duration of leave vary significantly from country to country.

Company sick leave policy

Beyond statutory requirements, many companies implement their own sick leave policies that may offer more generous terms than the legal minimum. These policies are often outlined in an employee handbook or employment contract.

Sick leave regulations differ significantly across the globe, reflecting diverse legal frameworks and cultural approaches to employee welfare. Here's a general overview of some countries:

United Kingdom

In the UK, eligible employees can receive Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for up to 28 weeks. Employers can also offer their own occupational sick pay schemes, which may provide more generous benefits than statutory sick pay (SSP). For more details on employment in the UK, see our Hiring Guide UK.

Germany

Germany has a robust system for sick leave. Employees are generally entitled to full pay from their employer for up to six weeks of absence due to sickness. After this period, if the illness persists, employees may be eligible to receive sick pay benefits from their health insurance fund, typically at 70% of their gross wages, for up to 78 weeks within a three-year period. Learn more about employment in Germany through our Hiring Guide Germany.

United States

The US does not have a federal law mandating paid sick leave, meaning policies vary widely by state, city, and employer. Many states and cities have enacted their own paid sick leave laws, and many employers offer it voluntarily. For comprehensive information, refer to our Hiring Guide USA.

Canada

Sick leave in Canada varies by province and territory, with some jurisdictions mandating paid sick leave, while others do not. Federal employees are entitled to paid sick leave. Explore our Hiring Guide Canada for detailed information.

Australia

Australia has a national minimum standard for paid sick leave (referred to as "personal leave" or "carer's leave") under the National Employment Standards (NES). Full-time employees are entitled to 10 days of paid personal/carer's leave per year. Discover more about employment in Australia in our Hiring Guide Australia.