What is sick leave and when can you take it?
Sick leave is the period during which an employee temporarily withdraws from work for health reasons on the advice of a doctor and on the basis of a medical certificate. It may be granted for illness, accident, caring for a sick child or pregnancy.
To qualify for sick leave, it is essential that the employee has paid contributions to the public health insurance scheme (CAS) and has a minimum contribution period, usually 6 months in the 12 months preceding the illness.
Who issues the medical certificate and what should it contain?
The medical certificate is issued by your family doctor or a specialist, depending on the type of condition. It must contain the period of temporary incapacity for work, the disease code and the patient's and doctor's identification data.
It is important that the certificate is sent to the employer within the legal deadline - usually within a maximum of 24 hours of issue or, in special cases, within the deadline specified by law. Otherwise there may be delays or refusals to pay the benefit.
How much sick leave do you get?
During sick leave, the employee does not receive the normal salary but an allowance paid from the social health insurance budget. The percentage varies according to the reason for the leave and can be between 75% and 100% of the calculation basis.
The basis for the calculation is the average gross income over the last six months worked. For example, in the case of ordinary sickness, the benefit is 75%, and in the case of accidents at work or occupational diseases it can be up to 100%.
Can you be dismissed on sick leave?
The law protects the employee during sick leave, and dismissal during this period is prohibited, except in special situations (e.g. judicial reorganization, bankruptcy, job abolishment).
This protection provides security for the employee undergoing treatment or recovery, avoiding abuse or pressure from the employer. If pressure does occur, however, you can refer the matter to the Territorial Labour Inspectorate or to a specialized lawyer.
What do you do after returning to work?
On return from sick leave, the employee must present the original medical certificate, signed and stamped, together with any supporting documents requested by the employer. Sometimes a medical certificate of return to work may also be required.
Your employer is not allowed to punish or discriminate against you for being on sick leave. It is your legal right and you should not feel guilty or unsafe when you need to look after your own health or the health of your loved ones.
Rights and responsibilities - an important balance
Although sick leave is a right, it should be treated responsibly. Inform your employer in good time, follow medical instructions and keep in touch with your doctor in case of extension. In this way, you avoid any confusion and maintain good relations at work.
It's important to know that the law also imposes obligations on the employer: he must accept the sick leave and ensure payment of the benefit within the legal deadlines. If these rights are violated, there are legal remedies.
Your health matters - use your rights with confidence
Sick leave is not a privilege, but a legal right that gives you the time you need to recover physically and emotionally. It is an essential work-life balance mechanism, especially for parents or people in vulnerable situations.
Take care of yourself and your family. If you need a health break, don't hesitate to ask for it. Respecting this right does not mean weakness, but responsibility - to yourself, to those around you and to your workplace.