Before returning to work, what must an employee provide after experiencing illness?

The requirement for an employee to provide written medical documentation after experiencing an illness serves multiple purposes in the workplace. This documentation verifies that the employee has sought medical attention and that a healthcare professional has evaluated their condition. It ensures that the employer is aware of the employee's health status and can make informed decisions regarding their return. Written documentation also helps assess whether the employee is fit to return to work, as it may include specific recommendations from the healthcare provider regarding work capacity or necessary accommodations.

Additionally, this requirement helps maintain a standard of safety and health within the workplace by ensuring that employees who may be contagious or unable to perform their duties effectively do not return prematurely. It formalizes the process and creates a record that can be referred to in the future if necessary.

In contrast, relying on informal methods such as verbal assurances from friends or simply attending a doctor's appointment without official documentation does not provide the necessary proof of fitness to work. A health insurance card, while important for receiving medical care, does not pertain to the evaluation of an employee's ability to return to work after an illness.