Sometimes, the beach beats the sickbed
upper respiratory infection, a gastric virus, and dehydration. She was also admitted to hospital.
Of course employees do occasionally take sick leave and then head for the beach. It is important to remember that sick leave also applies to mental health as well as injuries and physical illnesses.
Sometimes relaxation on the beach or elsewhere may be an appropriate way to recover.
New Zealand has some interesting cases about what employees get up to on sick leave.
John Wallace, an Air New Zealand check-in manager in Christchurch, was dismissed after finding out he spent three sick-leave days on the golf course.
Wallace said he had gone home with the flu and his wife had told him to get out of the house and play a round of golf.
Instead of criticising Wallace, the Employment Relations Authority focused on Air New Zealand’s failure to undertake a full and fair investigation.
The airline also failed to properly consider Wallace’s explanation that he was suffering stress from the recent deaths of both his parents. Many find golf relaxing and therapeutic.
The authority found Wallace’s dismissal unjustified and ordered him reinstated. He was also awarded compensation and lost wages.
In a separate case, the chief judge of the Employment Court has pointed out that the employer cannot dictate where a staff member spends their sick leave. They are not required to stay at home in bed.
The chief judge acknowledged many reasons why an employee might recuperate away from their home. For example, the employee’s family or whanau may live elsewhere and their presence may assist with recovery.
Regardless, if an employer asks about the employee’s whereabouts it is essential the employee answers honestly.
What the worker does during sick leave is relevant. If the activities do not appear consistent with recuperation the employer can ask questions.
Although workers on sick leave don’t have to stay in bed, the lesson is to use sick leave carefully.
Depending on the nature of a worker’s illness, leisurely activities may cause the employer concern. If this is the case, employers should ask questions and investigate before making a decision.
The worker may well have a genuine answer like Pink. Hopefully she recovers before she comes to New Zealand next month and can get the party started at Spark Arena, not Takapuna Beach.