Sick during vacation: a good absenteeism protocol prevents disputes

The government’s aim with vacation days is to allow people to rest and recharge. Even if an employee is ill, vacation days may be taken for this purpose. If someone becomes ill during their vacation, the absence protocol still applies. Therefore, establish a clear absence policy and ensure that your employees are aware of the rules.

By Myrtille van Hout

Encourage taking vacation
Vacation is important for recharging, especially when the workload is high. Therefore, encourage employees to take their vacation days. If taking a vacation does not hinder recovery, a sick employee may also go on vacation after consulting with the employer. The employee is then fully exempt from reintegration obligations and has no appointments with, for example, the company doctor, case manager, or HR. In fact, it may be especially important during illness to take vacation days and rest, even if someone cannot fly to their favorite holiday destination.

Sick but still on vacation
A sick employee accrues vacation days in full. So if someone who is ill is exempt from reintegration obligations, vacation days will also be deducted. The company doctor is actually the only one who can determine whether the employee is able to travel. Since this is almost always possible and such an assessment by the company doctor comes with a price tag, nine out of ten employers generally have no problem with this. After all, vacation days are fully accrued, so it is also important that they are taken to prevent a large pool of unused vacation days from building up.

Becoming ill during vacation
Even if your employee is miles away from home, the absence protocol remains in effect. Therefore, make sure that ‘Becoming ill during vacation’ is included in your absence policy. Communicate this clearly, so your employees know what to do. For example, that they must report sick to the employer immediately on the first day. And that they must also seek treatment from a doctor abroad. The main thing is that employer and employee fulfill all obligations under the Gatekeeper Improvement Act and follow the correct procedures. But also whether leave days can be exchanged for sick days, or not.

A good absence policy is essential
As an employer, you may find yourself in tricky situations and unpleasant discussions may arise. That’s why a good absence policy is essential. At De Verzuimmakelaar, we can help you draw up the rules. If an employee who is on vacation reports sick, our case manager can also advise you and, if necessary, contact the employee to reach proper agreements. If someone then does not adhere to the agreements, it is simply considered leave. It is important for the employer to record this properly. We at De Verzuimmakelaar know exactly how to do this according to legal requirements.

Would you like to know more? Feel free to email me at: secretariaat@deverzuimmakelaar.nl.

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