Employment Lawyer Explains Key Rules for Managing Sick Leave and Medical Documentation
Monkhouse Law 
Employee sick leave has always raised concerns for employers. They always demand evidence to grant sick leave. In Canada, there have been new developments that have changed the way companies manage their medical documentation. Know what your rights and responsibilities as an employee are, before, during, and after a sick leave.
At Monkhouse Law, we take the employees through this process. Our Toronto Employment Lawyer ensures that proper documentation and clear information protect your health and your job.
- Learn Your Rights to Sick Leave
All provinces have different regulations regarding sick leave. The Employment Standards Act gives employees three or more days of unpaid sick leave per calendar year in Ontario. Not all work environments provide payments upon sick leave. Checking your contract or agreement is important to know what you deserve.
Employers can request reasonable evidence that shows you are sick. That can be with a doctor’s prescription, a message, or a visit to the clinic. They are, however, unable to request your diagnosis report or personal medical information.
2. Understand What Documentation You Require
You do not have to submit a long medical report. However, you must show proof that your absence was justifiable. There are also a lot of clinics that issue simple notes stating that you were not healthy enough to go to work on a particular date. We usually advise the clients to maintain a duplicate copy of each note and forward it through email to maintain records.
Employers cannot discard a properly worded medical note. In case they do, we would advise you to talk to an Employment Lawyer to know your next step.
3. Respect Timelines and Stay in Touch
We always tell employees to inform the employer of a sick day as soon as they can. When you are not feeling well, just send a short and simple email stating your current health, and we will send documentation later on.
While you don’t need to give updates every few hours, it helps you demonstrate your good faith. In case your recovery is longer, send updated notes. Accommodation of illness under human rights law is obligatory for employers, yet it is not limited to communication.
4. Legal Support Will Keep You Safe
We have witnessed a lot of bad situations when sick leaves are questioned illogically and when medical privacy laws are violated. That is when a Toronto Employment Lawyer comes into the picture. At Monkhouse Law, we assist employees in standing up and resisting when workplaces act unfairly or violate privacy rules.
We are on your documents, your timeline, and your story. When employers go overboard, we build good cases and ensure you know what support you have under Canadian law.
Conclusion
Do not assume your rights; educate yourself on them. Have records, make your communication very clear, and talk to an Employment Lawyer when necessary. At Monkhouse Law, we cater to employees willing to take time off for their health and require fair treatment during their leave.
