What Is It?
A sick leave policy form is a document that outlines the guidelines and procedures for employees who need to take time off from work due to illness or injury. This form typically includes information such as the number of sick days an employee is entitled to, the process for reporting sick leave, the documentation required for verifying an illness, and the consequences of abusing the sick leave policy.
When to use It?
A Sick Leave Policy form should be used:
- During the onboarding process for new employees: Make sure that every member of the workforce is knowledgeable about the firm's guidelines on sick leave and comprehends the process of requesting and utilizing it.
- When updating or revising the company's sick leave policy: To keep employees informed of any changes to the policy and to ensure that the policy remains up-to-date and effective.
- When an employee requests sick leave: To provide a clear understanding of the process for requesting and approving sick leave.
- When an employee returns from sick leave: To provide a clear understanding of the process for returning to work after taking sick leave.
- When addressing employee concerns: To provide employees with a clear understanding of the company's policy on sick leave and to ensure that all employees feel comfortable taking the time they need to recover from illness or injury.
What To Include?
The form should include the following key elements:
- Eligibility: A statement indicating which employees are eligible for sick leave, such as full-time, part-time, or temporary workers.
- Accrual: An explanation of the method for accumulating sick leave, including the rate of accrual and any restrictions on the total amount that can be accumulated.
- Use of Sick Leave: The conditions under which sick leave may be used, such as for personal illness, injury, or medical appointments.
- Request for Leave: The process for requesting sick leave, including the required notice period and how to submit a request.
- Approval of Leave: The criteria for approving or denying sick leave requests, such as business needs and staffing requirements.
- Paid or Unpaid Leave: Whether sick leave will be paid or unpaid, and any conditions or restrictions that apply.
- Record Keeping: A requirement that employees must keep records of their sick leave, such as dates taken and hours used.
- Family and Medical Leave: A description of the company's policy on family and medical leave, including the conditions under which it may be used and how it is coordinated with sick leave.
- Return to Work: The process for returning to work after taking sick leave, including any requirements for medical certification or release.
- Anti-Discrimination: A commitment to non-discrimination and equal treatment of employees regardless of the reason for their sick leave.
Here is a Sick Leave Policy Form Template to get you started!
Sick Leave Policy Form
[Company Name]
Date: [Insert Date]
Dear [Employee Name],
At [Company Name], we understand that sometimes employees may need time off from work due to illness or injury. Our sick leave policy has been established to ensure that employees who are unable to work due to these reasons can take the time they need to recover while still maintaining the operation of the company.
Eligibility:
All regular full-time and part-time employees are eligible for sick leave.
Accrual:
Employees will accrue [insert number] hours of sick leave per [insert time period]. Unused sick leave may be carried over from year to year, up to a maximum of [insert number] hours.
Usage:
Employees may use sick leave for their own illness or injury or for the care of a family member with a serious health condition. Family members include [insert a definition of family members].
Requesting Sick Leave:
Employees must notify their supervisor as soon as possible when they need to take sick leave. The employee must also provide documentation from a healthcare provider verifying the need for sick leave if the absence exceeds [insert number] consecutive workdays.
Pay:
During sick leave, employees will receive [insert percentage] of their regular pay.
Return to Work:
Employees who have been on sick leave for [insert number] consecutive workdays or more must provide a certification from a healthcare provider verifying their ability to return to work.
This policy is subject to change at the discretion of [Company Name]. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask your supervisor.
Signature:__________________