Doctors notes required for sick days

@NJChicaa (119162)
United States
November 28, 2019 5:58pm CST
Our contract states that the administration can ask for a doctor's note for any sick day absence. (We have distinct sick days, personal days, death days, etc.) The past practice has been that you need to provide one for a 3+ day absence. No one ever asked for a note for just a 1 day absence though. We received a memo from the upper administration yesterday stating that they will be asking for notes for every single sick day taken. I think that is absurd. If I am sick and vomiting and spending time on the toilet, do they really think I'm going to attempt to go to the doctor (a feat in itself) and expose everyone to that wicked virus? What if I'm having massive cramps from my period? What could I possibly have to tell a doctor about that? What if I am having a panic attack? By the time I got to the doctor's office it may have passed. I agree that people shouldn't be abusing their sick days (it isn't use it or lose it) but I also think it is obnoxious to ask for a note for every single absence. I know I don't go to the doctor every time I feel ill. There's nothing the union can do about it because of the language in the contract. They just keep doing things to kill staff morale.
8 people like this
8 responses
@moffittjc (121459)
• Gainesville, Florida
30 Nov 19
Do you think they are really going to enforce that, or just use it as a scare tactic? You can be sick enough to stay home but not sick enough to need a doctor. Why pay for an unnecessary doctor visit? Or, I wonder if you call your doctor and explain the situation if they will be so kind to write you a note. I've called my doctor to to that for me before.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121459)
• Gainesville, Florida
30 Nov 19
@NJChicaa Don't worry, employee morale is at rock bottom at most companies and businesses, so welcome to the club.
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (119162)
• United States
30 Nov 19
My employer has their own health clinic (doctor's office) so we can get in same day for free. That is what they are banking on. And yes I think they will enforce it. Then they wonder why employee morale is so low. . .
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (78885)
• East Tawas, Michigan
29 Nov 19
Myself, I think it's ridiculous, making you get a doctor's note for one single day!
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (119162)
• United States
29 Nov 19
I agree
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (78885)
• East Tawas, Michigan
29 Nov 19
@NJChicaa My employer did that to me, also. At the time, I was making minimum wage! I had called in sick only twice, in two years
1 person likes this
@Alexandoy (65308)
• Cainta, Philippines
29 Nov 19
Over here it's also 3 days of absences that you would be required a medical certificate. For one day of absence, I agree that it is absurd.
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (119162)
• United States
29 Nov 19
Totally.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (175157)
• United States
29 Nov 19
That's ridiculous. You couldn't get into a doctor the same day anyway.
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (119162)
• United States
29 Nov 19
Definitely ridiculous
1 person likes this
@Happy2BeMe (99380)
• Canada
29 Nov 19
That is ridiculous.
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (119162)
• United States
29 Nov 19
I agree.
1 person likes this
@sharonelton (28187)
• Lichfield, England
29 Nov 19
If I have a cold, I don't go to the doctor. I just use Lemsip, paracetamol and cough mixture, wrap up warm and stay in bed. If everyone went to the Doctors for everything the waiting lists would stretch from here til next Christmas!
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (119162)
• United States
29 Nov 19
I agree.
1 person likes this
• United States
29 Nov 19
That is not right. 1 sick day (just not feeling 100%) doesn't mean you'd always go to the doctors. And even so sometimes the doctor is not available right away (same day visit). If it's 2 or 3 days, I can see a point. If that was the case, I would show up to work and say I am not feeling well, would like to take sick for the remaining day. I have done that where I was at work and didnt feel well then go home. (use my sick hours of course)
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (130222)
• Israel
29 Nov 19
@NJChicaa That is a shame the union cannot do anything.
1 person likes this