Taboo Talk - Excessive, Misused & Non-Genuine Sick Leave

We've all been there. Sometimes, we just don't want to go into work, and if you own or operate a business, then you may have come across creative ways an employee may avoid work. Sometimes they may opt to 'chuck a sickie'. Other times, you may see an intermittent but frequent pattern forming where it seems like sick leave is being taken advantage of.

Whether it's faking symptoms, calling in after annual leave has been declined, or having a pattern of taking sick leave on desirable days like Mondays or Fridays - it can disrupt work schedules, burden colleagues who have to cover for the absent employee, and erode trust between the employee and employer.

Join host Sanam, as she dives into the controversial and often taboo topic of taking advantage of sick leave and non-genuine sick leave on Law Lenz.

In this episode, Sanam explores both the ethical dilemmas and the financial repercussions for SMEs in New Zealand. From personal anecdotes to employment law cases, Sanam provides tips and insights on how employers can navigate these tricky sick leave scenarios with ease.

Key topics covered in the episode:

• Understanding what is meant by taking advantage of sick leave.
• Misusing & non-genuine sick leave: Understand the fine line between genuine sick leave and misuse, and learn from real-world cases on how an employer can address these issues.
• How to prevent misuse & excessive sick leave: Get tips and insights on how employers can implement effective steps to deter abuse without penalising genuinely ill employees.
• Understand how to temporarily manage the workplace while tackling initial sick leave concerns.

Don't miss this episode if you want to stay informed about one of the most pressing issues in workplace management today. Tune in to learn how to protect your business and ensure fair treatment for all employees.

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Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.

Check out the Law Lenz website HERE. 

Resources:

• Employment NZ - Sick Leave Entitlements
• Employment NZ - Proof of sickness
• My HR - Managing sick leave: An employers guide to absenteeism
• Cavell Leitch - Constantly sick employees and non-genuine sick leave. When is enough, enough?
• NZ Herald - Air NZ Case

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.