What to do on your first day of sickness

Step by step

1. 1

   Read the sickness absence procedure

   Check your contract, collective labour agreement (CAO), staff handbook or app. It should state whom to notify, which channel to use and the deadline for reporting sick.

2. 2

   Report sick

   Only state that you are unable to work because of sickness, how you can be reached and what practical arrangements are needed. You do not have to disclose your diagnosis to your employer.

3. 3

   Keep evidence

   Record the date, time, channel and recipient. Keep the confirmation outside the public WordPress media library and do not share a medical file.

4. 4

   Remain contactable

   Follow reasonable contact arrangements and cooperate with an invitation from the occupational health service (arbodienst) or occupational physician (bedrijfsarts).

Deadlines and responsibilities

• Employee: report sick on time and remain contactable.
• Employer or employment agency: process the sickness report and, where necessary, involve the occupational health service (arbodienst) or occupational physician (bedrijfsarts).
• Occupational physician (bedrijfsarts): independently assess functional capacity and provide guidance.

Documents and evidence

• Employment contract and applicable collective labour agreement (CAO)
• Sickness absence procedure or reporting instructions
• Non-medical confirmation of the sickness report
• Your own timeline of contact moments