Sick leave isn't just a policy鈥攊t's a cultural signal. While it may seem like a standard clause in an employment contract, sick leave practices reveal much about local workplace norms. In some countries, taking time off due to illness is discouraged or seen as a sign of weakness. In others, employees are trusted to manage their health, with no need to provide a medical certificate for the first few days of absence. So, how do you navigate these differing expectations when working abroad?
The cultural perception of sick leave
These examples may be familiar, but they remain relevant. In Japan, dedication to work is a deeply rooted value. It's widely understood that leaving the office too early鈥攐r before your supervisor鈥攊s frowned upon, even if you've completed your tasks for the day. The culture of ganbaru (persevering through hardship) often discourages employees from taking sick leave unless absolutely necessary.
In the United States, an article in the French newspaper questioned whether the concept of sick leave might be on the verge of disappearing. The tendency to "push through" often comes from the top: the article recalls how public figures such as Hillary Clinton continued working while suffering from pneumonia during a public event.
The rise of remote work has also reshaped sick leave habits. Many people now opt to work from home while unwell rather than formally take time off.
In contrast, sick leave is more normalized in Germany. show that Germans are calling in sick more frequently and for longer durations. Between 2021 and 2023, the average number of sick days increased from 11.1 to 15.1. The trend has continued into 2024, with another spike recorded even before the start of winter.
So what part of this is cultural, and what part is legal? Likely both. National health insurance systems often mirror broader social attitudes toward illness and the acceptability of taking time off work.
Are there countries without paid sick leave?
Yes鈥攕ome countries do not guarantee paid sick leave.
In the United States, for example, there is no federal law requiring employers to provide it. Instead, policies are set at the state or local level or by individual companies. Currently, only 14 of the 50 U.S. states have enacted laws mandating paid sick leave.
In other countries such as India, the Philippines, and Kenya, access to paid sick leave often depends on the employer. Public sector jobs are generally more likely to offer it, while private sector roles may vary widely. Factors such as your industry, company size, or income level can also influence whether you're entitled to paid sick leave.
How many sick days can you take?
The number of paid sick days varies significantly from country to country.
Eligibility often depends on factors such as length of employment, type of contract, and national legislation. In many cases, entitlements increase with time worked鈥攖hough they are typically capped at a fixed limit. Here are a few examples:
: Employees earn two paid sick days for each month worked.
France: The same rule applies鈥攖wo paid sick days per month worked. In cases of occupational illness, the allowance increases to 2.5 days per month.
: Sick leave is calculated in weeks rather than days. Employers must pay full salary for the first six weeks of illness. After that, statutory public health insurance takes over and provides partial compensation.
: A recent reform raised the entitlement from three to five paid sick days per year. Employees must have worked for at least 13 weeks to qualify.
: Federally regulated employees are entitled to 10 days of paid sick leave annually. After 30 days of uninterrupted work, they receive three days, followed by one additional day per month.
: Workers receive 15 days of paid sick leave per year. To be eligible, they must have completed a full year of employment鈥攐r at least six consecutive months without any other form of absence.
Do you receive a full salary during sick leave?
That depends on the country's laws and the employer's internal policies. In many cases, seniority and contract terms also influence how much compensation an employee receives while on sick leave.
Typically, full salary is paid only for a limited period鈥攊f at all. After that, most systems offer partial wage replacement, usually between 50% and 80% of the regular salary, for a set duration.
Here are a few country-specific examples:
Germany: Employees receive their full salary for the first six weeks of illness. After this period, public health insurance provides around 70% of the employee's gross salary.
France: Daily allowances from the national health insurance system cover 50% to 60% of the salary, subject to a ceiling. Some collective agreements offer top-up payments.
Sweden: Employees receive approximately 80% of their normal salary during sick leave.
Ireland: Compensation is set at 70% of regular pay, up to a maximum of 鈧�110 per day.
Canada: Workers may qualify for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits, which typically replace up to 55% of average weekly earnings. Coverage terms may differ by province.
Who pays for sick leave?
In most countries, sick leave costs are shared between employers and public health or social security systems. The division of responsibility typically depends on the length of the absence and the structure of the national welfare system.
In Germany, employers cover 100% of the employee's salary for the first six weeks of illness. After that, public health insurance provides partial compensation.
In Sweden, employers pay for the first 14 days of sick leave. Beyond that point, the Swedish Social Insurance Agency鈥攆unded by the government鈥攖akes over and provides income support.
Is a medical certificate required?
Requirements for medical certificates vary by country鈥攁nd sometimes by sector or employer.
In some places, a doctor's note is mandatory from the first day of absence. This is the case in Ireland and in Portugal, at least within the public sector. However, how strictly this rule is enforced can depend on the industry or employer.
In many other countries, a common rule allows short-term absences without a certificate. Under the three-day rule, employees can self-certify their illness and only need a doctor's note if the absence exceeds three days. This approach is used in Luxembourg, Switzerland, Finland, and Germany.
offers even more flexibility: employees may wait up to seven days before submitting a medical certificate.
Regardless of the specific legal requirements, workers are generally expected to notify their employer of their inability to work on the first day of absence.
