When Sick Leave Becomes a Struggle
Calling in sick should be straightforward: see a doctor, get a medical certificate (MC), and take time to recover. Yet, even this basic process becomes an uphill battle for some employees.
A recent incident in Malaysia has shed light on how HR policies can fail to prioritize employee well-being, drawing widespread criticism online.
HR Questions Doctor’s Advice
According to a post on Threads, an HR officer contacted a clinic to question the validity of an employee’s MC.
Despite the doctor confirming that the employee was unwell and required rest, the HR officer refused to accept the explanation and demanded the employee report to work.
Frustrated by the situation, the doctor reportedly snapped, saying, “How can you force a sick employee to work?”
Netizens Share Similar Experiences
The post quickly went viral, stirring anger and concern. Many criticized the HR officer’s lack of empathy, with some sharing their encounters with workplace skepticism over medical leave.
One user shared, “I once worked at an MNC (Multinational Company) where the operations director himself called the clinic to ask if the staff had requested the MC.”
Another shared, “I’ve experienced this before. I was sick on Saturday and immediately went to see a doctor. The doctor gave me an MC for Sunday and Monday. I informed my HOD (Head of Department) that I had an MC for Monday, and they replied, ‘Who’s that stupid doctor who gave you an MC for Monday right away?’ I resigned on Tuesday after coming to work. They panicked and apologized, and I told them, ‘I’ve worked with you for a long time, and you know me well too, I don’t take MCs unless I’m seriously unwell.’”
Another commenter expressed their frustration, “That’s why I’m continuing my degree in HR. I want to become an HR professional and replace these HR and their strange behaviors. Nonsense. Sometimes I wonder why HR mostly seems so clueless. Did they even study properly?”
Others noted the prevalence of HR skepticism, with one explaining, “HR can call the clinic to confirm whether the staff actually visited and the doctor really examined them. This is because there are many cases of fake MCs. However, questioning the doctor’s treatment of the staff is crossing the line. It’s like accusing the doctor of conspiring with the employee. Don’t they think doctors have ethics?”
While most of the replies were condemning, one defended the practice, saying, “This is right because an HR’s job involves verifying details more thoroughly. For example, someone might look fine yesterday but suddenly call in sick today with an MC… it doesn’t make sense.”
The discussion brought attention to a troubling pattern where employees’ health is disregarded in favor of productivity, leaving many to feel unsupported during vulnerable times.
Calls for More Compassionate Policies
The incident has led to calls for change, with many urging HR departments to adopt more compassionate practices.
It is important to note that prioritizing trust and respect for medical advice would create healthier and more supportive work environments.
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