Sick employee, not sick, what to do?

A sick employee can cause many challenges within a company. But what if that employee is actually not ill at all? It's more common than you think. In this article, we investigate this situation and provide advice on what to do if you suspect that an employee is wrongly calling in sick.

Investigation by Detective Office

The Haagsch Detective Office has investigated cases of sick employees who were not actually ill. This research provided insight into the scope of the problem and possible solutions.

The investigation shows that there can be various reasons why an employee wrongly calls in sick. Sometimes stress or a conflict situation at work plays a role, while in other cases personal problems outside of work may be the cause.

Reporting an incorrect report of illness

It is important to pick up the signs of an unjustified illness in time. For example, pay attention to the following indicators:

  • Irregularities in the absenteeism pattern: frequent short absenteeism or always being absent on certain days.
  • Unexplained absence: giving no clear medical reason for reporting illness.
  • Social media activity: being active on social media while claiming to be ill.
  • Testimonials from colleagues: other employees may be able to give indications that the report of illness is incorrect.

Tackling an unjust report of illness

If you suspect that an employee is unfairly calling in sick, it is important to approach this in a professional and respectful manner. Here are a few steps you can take:

  1. Gather evidence: Document all relevant information, including absence records, testimonials, and social media activity.
  2. Start the conversation: schedule a meeting with the employee to discuss the situation. Give the employee the opportunity to tell their side of the story.
  3. Get help if necessary: if there is a suspicion of an unjust report of illness, it may be advisable to seek legal advice or call in an external investigation agency such as Haagsch Recherchebureau for further investigation.
  4. Take appropriate measures: Depending on the outcome of the investigation, appropriate measures may be taken, ranging from warnings to disciplinary actions.

Conclusion

A sick employee who is not actually ill can cause many problems within a company. It is important to pick up signs of an unjust report of illness in time and to address them in a professional manner. By collecting evidence and having an open conversation with the employee, you can clarify the situation and take appropriate measures.

As an employer, it is also advisable to invest in preventive measures, such as creating a positive work environment and providing support to employees who may be experiencing stress or personal problems. In this way, you can prevent reports of illness and promote productivity and satisfaction within your organization.

Do you need help dealing with an unjust report of illness? Then contact us for independent advice and help.

About the Author
As a former Interim Innovation Consultant at the National Police, Jan-Paul Kreukniet has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of research and safety. He knows better than anyone how important it is to keep innovating and keeping up with the latest developments in his field.
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