A field guide to sick leave and AU certificates

Notification before paperwork

Most friction begins before any certificate arrives. Employees generally need a clear channel for reporting incapacity for work on the first day. Advisors should confirm that managers know who receives the message, what timestamp to log, and which details are unnecessary—especially diagnoses.

Medical certificate thresholds

Company policy and statutory baselines interact. Many workplaces request an Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung from a defined day of absence; some require it earlier. Your consultation should separate “what the law allows employers to require” from “what this employer’s policy currently says,” then flag conflicts for counsel.

Reading the certificate without overreach

Focus on identity, period of incapacity, and issuing practice. Electronic transmission has changed inbox habits, but human verification of dates and renewals still matters. Avoid speculative comments about the underlying condition.

Continued pay at briefing level

Managers often ask how long wages continue. Provide a structured overview and hand precise calculations to payroll. Cloudschemaflow training keeps this module intentionally high-level so advisors do not invent benefit math on the spot.

When to escalate

Patterns of short absences, disputed certificates, or works council involvement belong in a different lane. Use our flagship course to practice that handoff language.