Today's telemedicine capabilities have meant that we can do many things without leaving home - including sick leave. Thanks to e-sick leave, which has been available since December 2018, an employee no longer has to deliver sick leave to their employer in person. The entire process takes place online and the doctor handles the paperwork electronically, issuing an e-ZLA, or electronic sick leave.
The e-leave, like the traditional paper leave, confirms the employee's inability to perform his or her duties due to illness. The employer, on this basis, is obliged to pay the employee sick pay. The amount of this pay is usually 80% of standard salary, although in certain situations (e.g. pregnancy, accidents at work) the employee may receive 100% of salary. Who pays sick pay depends on the number of employees and the type of employment.
Employee rights during sick leave
The basic right of any insured employee who has received sick leave is the right to receive sick pay or sickness benefits. However, being on sick leave also entails complying with the doctor's recommendations and the restrictions imposed by the illness. A key objective of sick leave is for the employee to recover as quickly as possible, so undertaking other activities - such as paid work or recreational outings - can lead to serious consequences.
During sick leave, the employee should follow the doctor's instructions and, in most cases, stay at home. Failure to do so, such as leaving home without justification or taking on extra work, can lead to sanctions such as loss of benefit entitlement and, in extreme cases, even dismissal.
E-exemptions and employer obligations
E-leave significantly simplifies the process of employees informing their employer of their inability to work. Thanks to the electronic system, the employer is automatically notified that the sick leave has been issued, eliminating the need to deliver the document in person. The employer is obliged to pay wages in accordance with the applicable legislation and to respect the employee's rights under their sick leave.
You can obtain additional information from our doctors by starting a medical e-consultation at any time.
