Employer Demands Proof For Worker’s Flu Absence, Frustrated Doctor Sends Out Brutal Note

A worker’s flu struck hard post-holidays, leaving him voiceless and drained in bed. He notified work about the illness, but on day four, the company insisted on a doctor’s note, treating him like a child needing permission to miss school.

His reliable physician flipped the script with a direct emailed note excusing the time off. It confirmed the grown man had the flu, needed recovery without extra hurdles, and slammed the policy as pointless bureaucracy. He skipped a costly copay while the blunt message highlighted widespread irritation over inflexible rules forcing unnecessary medical visits for common sicknesses.

A supportive doctor issued a blunt note excusing flu-related absence from work.

Getting called into the boss’s office over a few sick days is something that no patients asked for, especially when all you need is rest and hydration. However, that’s the case for Greedence, as they refer to themselves in this story.

This Redditor’s story shines a light on a common workplace hurdle: policies requiring doctor’s notes for brief illnesses, often forcing employees to drag themselves to appointments when they should be recovering at home. On one side, employers aim to curb potential abuse and ensure productivity. On the other, these rules can discourage people from taking needed time off, leading to longer recoveries or even spreading germs at work.

Doctors often find themselves in the middle, writing notes that provide little medical value while adding to their workload. For minor ailments like the flu, the standard advice is simple: stay home, rest, and avoid contact with others. Requiring a visit just for proof can unnecessarily strain everyone involved.

This ties into broader workplace health dynamics, where trust and flexibility play key roles. Many experts argue that self-declaration for short absences builds mutual respect, while overly strict rules can erode morale.

According to the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), doctors across Canada spend an estimated 1.5 million hours every year writing sick notes, equivalent to the time for six million patient visits. This administrative task pulls focus from patients who truly need care.

Dr. Joss Reimer, president of the Canadian Medical Association, stated, “Sick notes are not a health systems issue, they’re a human resources issue. We understand that organizations have policies in place to manage their human resources, but when 6.5 million Canadians don’t have access to a family doctor and patients wait far too long for specialty care, physicians need to focus their time caring for patients who need medical care. We need to be there for patients who need us when they need us.”

This viewpoint emphasizes how these demands inappropriately involve healthcare providers in employment matters, diverting their focus from medical priorities.

A balanced approach? Encourage open communication, offer paid sick days, and reserve notes for extended absences. This way, employees recover faster, workplaces stay healthier, and doctors can prioritize actual treatment.

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

Some people praise doctors who write sarcastic or supportive notes criticizing sick note policies.

Some people share stories of rebellious or extreme ways to prove illness or bypass policies.

Some people criticize strict sick note policies and share frustrating experiences.

Some people highlight organized responses from doctors against sick note requirements.

This Redditor’s doctor didn’t just provide a note, they delivered a mic-drop moment that called out the absurdity of treating adults like kids during routine illnesses. It sparks a bigger question: Are strict doctor’s note policies helpful for managing absences, or do they add unnecessary stress and costs?

How would you handle juggling recovery with workplace demands, push for more flexibility or stick to the rules? Drop your thoughts and experiences in the comments!