Can my boss ask for a Dr's note from me

[honeychai]

And no one else?

So the saga continues with my boss that doesn't like me:

I know employers can Dr's notes for absences. But it just seems f-ed up that I called out sick one day-- one day, because I was legit sick, and he asked for a note.

I never call out!

Several other people called out that day, but he only wants a note from me.

Whyyyyy does this man hate me so?!

[bugandbibs]

Check your contract. They can only ask me for a note if I am out for 3 consecutive work days.

[Shreddingbetty]

That's is totally ridiculous. Call your doc and see if he can write you a note like this  

[livinitup]

He can ask.

But what happens if you don't give him one? - That's the real question. Is it a write-up, for what? What policy have you broken? Does the employee handbook require you to get a doctor's note for one call-out? Probably not, because that doesn't make any sense.

Sometimes I've seen a hand-book requirement for a "return to work" doctor's note for an absence of more than three days. But that's pretty general and mostly not enforced.

[Lilac]

That sounds sketchy. We have a very clear company policy on when a doctor's note is required (3+ days) and when it is not. Do you have an employee handbook or local HR you can check with on the company's policy?

[Shreddingbetty]

I think it is ridiculous to ask for dr notes especially if it is only for a day and for someone that doesn't usually miss work. I am a PA and I see a lot of people who just come in for a dr note because their job treats them like a bunch of kids. Don't get me wrong they are easy visits for me so in that respect I don't mind but when other people try to get seen and can't get a n appointment it does get annoying. If someone is a habitual sickie or they are sick beyond 3 days then it makes sense. Otherwise trust your freaking adult employees that they are really sick.

[vanillacourage]

money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2015/09/21/whats-your-boss-allowed-to-ask-when-you-call-in-sick

I would talk to HR if you feel they are applying policies unevenly. 

[honeychai]

My contact says he can ask if there have been "excessive absences". This was my first in six weeks.

I emailed him and explained that although I was not well enough to come to work, I did not see a dr, so I do not have a note.

[Deleted]

Our policy is three days and then can be turned into needing one for excessive absences. When a staff is considered excessively gone, we have a written communication stating that whenever they utilize sick leave, they will need to provide a doctor's note for all absences. So staffed is warned ahead of time. If you feel you are being singled out, I would talk to HR about a remedial plan.

As far as needing a note, how exactly do you know he didn't ask everyone for notes?

[Alex]

Depends on your policy. I have a few employees that I ask for a note for every single sick day. They are warned ahead of time and have usually run out of both sick and vacation time. This is a giant pain in my budget. Leave without pay = budget slippage.

[livinitup]

May 1, 2016 10:38:39 GMT -5 honeychai said:

My contact says he can ask if there have been "excessive absences". This was my first in six weeks.

I emailed him and explained that although I was not well enough to come to work, I did not see a dr, so I do not have a note.

If he presses the issue, put in writing (an email), that asks him for the reason for the request - put it back on him. Politely. Make sure to reference that your record shows no absences within 6 weeks of the date which demonstrates a record of no excessive absences.

[livinitup]

May 1, 2016 10:57:34 GMT -5 Alex said:

Depends on your policy. I have a few employees that I ask for a note for every single sick day. They are warned ahead of time and have usually run out of both sick and vacation time. This is a giant pain in my budget. Leave without pay = budget slippage.

Just curious, why do you need a doctor's note? If they are abusing your absence policy, can't you just document/write-up the absence as a violation? Does a note cut-down on abuse?

[Alex]

May 1, 2016 11:03:40 GMT -5 livinitup said:

May 1, 2016 10:57:34 GMT -5 Alex said:

Depends on your policy. I have a few employees that I ask for a note for every single sick day. They are warned ahead of time and have usually run out of both sick and vacation time. This is a giant pain in my budget. Leave without pay = budget slippage.

Just curious, why do you need a doctor's note? If they are abusing your absence policy, can't you just document/write-up the absence as a violation? Does a note cut-down on abuse?

It cuts down on abuse. They are less likely to call in if a note is required. Setting up this rule is usually a part of their Performance Agreement. We are Union and the contract allows it at the employers will.

[cabbagecabbage]

My husband is a manager of very immature adults in a union setting. They gave strict rules that notes are required after 2 days I think. Once you have used up your sick days, you start getting writeups for excessive absence regardless of a note or not but these people all have many sick days and vacation/floating holidays they can use before it gets there.

Anyway, my point: he has to be very careful because corporate HR and union reps will get all up in arms if he does not apply the policies exactly as written and fairly across the board. It sounds like you think your boss is singling you out. I'd speak to HR if you get any push back.

[glinda]

This is the same dude that wouldn't let you pump, right?

Based on all of your back story it sounds like he is looking for excuses to get rid of you.

[grover]

My principal/HR can ask for a dr note after 3 or more sick days used in a row. People get around it for vacations and such by using 2 sick then a personal day then one or two more sick days. Three sick days in a row also means FMLA paperwork.

[bab]

How silly. Do people really waste a copay for every cold, migraine etc?
And it's not the smartest decision to insist that people come to work when they aren't well..way to spread germs!