How Do You Ask for longer Sick Time?
Missing work due to an illness happens in every industry and company. While it’s tempting to try and push through, sometimes you just can’t which makes being sick is a valid and good excuse to call out of work.
Nobody wants to take time off work unnecessarily if they can help it, but there are always unforeseen circumstances that require you to take time off work–this can be anything from a family emergency to a natural disaster occurring in your area.
One of the most common reasons for having to take leave is due to illness, and this form of leave is typically called “sick leave.” Sick leave is generally requested just for a small period of time, such as a day or two.
However, sometimes a day or two is not enough. If you find yourself needing weeks to recover, you may need to request extended sick leave.
On these occasions, you need to go through a formal process to request extended sick leave. It is extremely important that both employee and employer are clear about what is stated in the contract of employment related to this issue.
In this article, we’ll look more closely at what is involved in requesting longer sick leave.
What Is Sick Leave?
Sick leave is a period that an employee takes off from work due to illness, injury, or other health-related issues.
An employee will request from the employer time off work, often at short notice, as they are too sick to work. It can be paid time off or unpaid, depending on the circumstances.
Usually, sick leave will be something which is granted for smaller periods of time, such as a day or two, without too much bureaucracy.
It is a fairly common example of how to call out of work at the last minute, and involves an employee calling out of work the night before their next shift, or in the hours before their next shift.
Employees typically ask for a sick day in a message, by phone or by email–this process should be repeated every day thereafter for the duration of the absence. Sick leave will usually be paid in these circumstances.
When and How to Ask for Extended Sick Leave?
As an employee, if your illness or injury lasts longer than the number of sick days you are given, you will have to seek extended sick leave.
Common reasons for needing to take sick leave include: injuries, surgery, ongoing mental health issues, or for a medical condition that requires a more extended period of time off from work.
If you need to request extended sick leave, read the terms of your contract carefully to know your legal rights, and those of your employer.
You must be able to prove that your illness or injury has been assessed by a medical professional, who then provides a medical note to justify the need for extended absence.
Your boss, manager, or human resources department will also need to know the duration of the absence in advance. It is likely that this medical note and absence request will need to be provided in writing.
Employees have a legal right to ask for an extended sick leave if they have a valid reason, and employers must consider the request fairly and reasonably.
In some cases, employers might provide alternative options for an employee, such as flexible working conditions. They will also refer to the contract to ascertain whether or not employees are entitled to payment during all or any of their absence.
Rights and Obligations
Employers must ensure workers have a safe and healthy working environment, which includes granting sick leave to employees, but they are well within their rights to ask for verification from a medical professional.
Employees must follow company procedures related to sick leave requests, including having all documentation.
Failure to comply or prolonging professional verification could lead to sick leave being denied.
Furthermore, it is courteous and professional to request sick leave ahead of time so that your employer can prepare accordingly..
Wrapping Up
When you need to focus on your health, navigating time off with your employer can feel overwhelming. If you are prepared, have the professional documentation that you need, and communicate frequently with your employer, it can be easier.
We recommend being professional at all times and carefully checking your contract before starting the process.
Title: How Do You Ask for longer Sick Time?
Category: Career Resources
Co-Author: Becky is a contributor for theJub. She’s a writing and talent acquisition specialist who loves to apply her skills through creative writing and editing.
