Do you always carry some kind of paracetamol or aspirin with you? Is it your random habit to self-medicate every time you feel feverish or under the weather? This is the story of so many Irish working professionals. 

If you are such a person, then you need to understand that you don't practically “need” medications to heal from minor illnesses. A mild fever, a common cold, or an upset stomach—until and unless it gets worse, your body can naturally heal such conditions and fight viruses without medications. Allow yourself some rest and peace of mind to get your energy back. Take a sick day instead of taking medications.

Nowadays, employees have several resources to stay well at work: Taking a sick leave is often encouraged in modern organisations. Employees can get a digital sick certificate for work to approve their sick pay for up to 7 days. This blog explores the new norms and best practices of employee wellbeing and ethical sick leave management. 

Key Takeaways: 

  • The COVID pandemic has further compelled employers to take staff wellness more seriously than ever before. 
  • With the British SSP scheme in place, it is guaranteed that you are not going to lose your pay if you take sick leave under the allocated days
  • Getting an online sick note for work from a doctor from home is easier now in the UK with reputed telehealth platforms like Get Healthcare. Why not take it? 

The Statutory Sick Pay Policy in the UK 

According to the UK's Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) policy, employees who have done minimum work for the organisation are only entitled to it. Employees must work for a minimum of 3 consecutive days and earn a minimum weekly wage to be eligible for the SSP. A maximum of 28 weeks' worth of SSP is allowed, which cannot be clubbed with the Statutory Maternity Pay. 

Those having regular episodes of symptoms, or what they count as linked illnesses, such as recurrent colds, migraine headaches or dysmenorrhea that last for over 3 days in a row, must be 8 weeks or less apart.

Now, when claiming your SSP, it is very important to present a sick certificate for work that is signed by a UK-certified GP. While most employers nowadays accept digital sick notes, obtained from telehealth platforms, but use them only in the case of minor illnesses. Not if you are having a chronic or severe ailment. 

Things To Do While You Are Sick 

While claiming compensation as a legal right, it is also important for the employee to tap into its responsibility. Below are some of the best practices that reduce gaps in workplace ethics and relationships: 

  • Make that call to your employer or HR manager to notify them about your illness 
  • Honour the sick leave policies of your workplace and provide a doctor's certificate when required.  
  • Disconnect from work responsibilities while on sick leave and concentrate on total recovery.
  • Delegate your workload or communicate with your employer to manage it without your input. 
  • Don't forget to clarify any protocols regarding the acceptability of digital sick notes for work. 
  • Provide a realistic duration of absence and clear details about the expected return time. 

Delegation is the Key— Maintain Professionalism During Your Sick Leave 

You need to delegate tasks responsibly while you are on sick leave. Effective communication is essential to delegation, and having a fever or headache, fatigued conversations can create misunderstandings. 

It is very important to provide clear instructions to your teammates, lest they make a mistake that dooms the whole point of delegating the task. This is crucial for half-done work on ongoing projects. Try sending out written instructions, or talk to the most patient and understanding colleague to explain the situation. 

Prioritise Personal Wellbeing With Timely Care 

Everyone falls sick now and then, but you also need to ensure your well-being to prevent recurrent episodes. If you find yourself frequently taking sick leave due to stress or mental health issues, consider seeking support from a healthcare professional or employee assistance programmes (EAPs). Evaluate your work-life balance and make adjustments if needed to prevent burnout or stress-related illnesses.

A big part of seeking an SSP nowadays is getting a digital sick certificate for work in the UK. As most employers and authorities accept them nowadays, it has become quite a standard choice. However, responsible usage of it is necessary and you must understand that digital healthcare products and services cannot substitute for the need for in-person care. Use what is best for you at the right time.