Can the boss call even though you have called in sick at work?

Status: 03.10.2023, 08:07 a.m.

By: Anne Hund

CommentsShare

Those who call in sick at work probably prefer to have their peace and quiet in most cases. However, you should be prepared for some queries in case of doubt.

If you call in sick with your employer, you should make sure that you report sick in good time. In addition, as an employee, in the event of sick leave, you should make sure that you inform your superiors or the responsible colleagues without delay about how long you are likely to be absent and which tasks have to be completed during your own absence.

Can the boss call if you've called in sick at work?

But are supervisors actually allowed to contact their employees by phone during the time they are on sick leave? Basically, the answer is: Yes, but the supervisor should not overdo it, because after all, the sick employee should recover. What is the legal situation exactly? A call from the boss to a sick employee is "not prohibited from the outset", as the portal Juraforum.de explains (as of September 2, 2023). "This is especially true if he wants to wish him a speedy recovery or has an urgent query for him." However, the employee does not need to tell him exactly what kind of illness he has or what diagnosis the doctor has made. "This results from the fact that the employer is not informed about this in the certificate of incapacity for work," it says on Juraforum.de. "He only has the right for the employee to submit the sick note in good time."

It certainly doesn't happen often for most people. But if you are on sick leave, you still have to expect a call to ask your supervisor. (Symbolic image) © Zoonar.com/YurixArcursxpeopleimages.com/Imago

Sick leave: Employer doesn't have to know everything

You don't have to tell your employer what you're sick with, the experts at Stiftung Warentest also emphasized. Such information is private, it says on Test.de. The doctor also did not record the diagnosis on the copy of the sick note intended for the employer. "It's only on the copies for the health insurance company and for you."

Don't miss: You can find everything you need to know about careers in the career newsletter of our partner Merkur.de.

If you are on sick leave, you should basically do everything you can to get well again as quickly as possible and, if necessary, stay in bed. But that doesn't mean you just have to stay at home because of a sick note. For example, you can pick up something from the pharmacy around the corner with a clear conscience or take a short walk in the fresh air if it serves your own health.