Comments on: Need a doctor’s note? Hit the web!

By: j.

j. — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:40:27 +0000

When I was in the work force (I'm now retired)I didn't miss work unless I was so sick I literllay/physically couldn't stand up..I never played hookey neither..so wake up people and smell the coffee...hard work earns good money...

and Jessilee this is to you..perhaps as a couple of others have said stop bragging because it is we the hard working public that pay for your medical costs (be it sick notes, dental, or whatever)...

By: john

john — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:39:43 +0000

well most of the time,if you have a fever that you can cure with over the counter measures and your only sick for a few days,its annoying to waste time seeing a doctor for a note.so i can see how this would be good for that.but to abuse it is another question.all in all nothing to argue about.:D

By: Jonzie

Jonzie — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:30:45 +0000

PATHETIC. If you are truly sick (or if any other issues of importance arise) and could not work, then there should be no trouble in explaining to your employer, or whomever in may concern, of your absence. This is just a way for those who have the "stick it to the boss" attitude. Wait, who's paying for the government employee's sick days? Ya, thats right, keep abusing the system, but I don't want to hear any complaints on taxes, or the government's money being wasted. YAY we're paying the beer junkie who decided to call in sick and he's sitting there watching TV. Get a spine and work.

I definately agree with Ken.

By: Sandy

Sandy — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:17:53 +0000

I do agree that if you an honest and dedicated employee that these 'notes' shouldn't be required and personally think they shouldn't be used. I may not be happy about dragging myself out of bed every morning, but I do as I have responsibilities and because I take pride in a job well done, I give it my 110% (going in early, staying late AND never getting paid for it). Having said that, I recently left an employer who treated their employees badly. I'm the type of employee who goes to work with migraines, the flu, etc and doesn't generally leave unless asked to do so. But there were two particular instances when I had to leave. Two phone calls that I received from my children's school. One of which my youngest had been thrown from the jungle gym and had obviously broken his arm. In this case, my 'boss' said 'well there is billing to be done". The other when my oldest had been hit by a metal bar in the forehead causing the school to rush him to the emergency by ambulance. This time my 'boss' said "he'll be fine, they are taking care of him, they'll call you if anything happens". Needless to say, BOTH times I walked out and ended up going to the president of the company as I thought the treatment was ridiculous. So while I agree that the use of these 'notes' are ridiculous, I just wanted to throw in my two cents and say that sometimes employers can be ridiculous too!

By: Daniel J. Andrews

Daniel J. Andrews — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:09:35 +0000

Guess I've been lucky. I've been in the workforce for over 30 years and not once have I been asked to bring in a sick note when I was off sick. I quite agree it can be a real hassle to bring in a sick note from a doctor if you've just had a bad cold or the flu. Who wants to sit around a clinic feeling miserable while waiting for the doc to see you (providing you can get an appointment that day)?

If any employer ever asks me for a note from the doctor I'll just explain it isn't worthwhile for me to obtain one, and only serves to unnecessarily add to an already overburdened health care system. I won't submit a fake one nor will I go out of my way to submit a real one.

One exception I can think of is if I have to be off for an extended period of time (e.g. operation, highly contagious respiratory infection) in which case I would voluntarily submit a real doctor's note even if not asked, just to keep people from having doubts about my reliability. A little flexibility here and there on your part usually is reciprocated by the boss.

By: Ken

Ken — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:08:52 +0000

Come on people...I am a professional and never have to provide a doctor's note. Even if I did I certainly would not be buying a fake one off the net!

Too many slack ass idiots (most likely union)who want to sit around doing nothing and get paid large wages. It's no wonder the big three auto plants are taking a dive. They have to keep paying people like this a disgusting hourly wage while they figure out new ways to scam the company.

Our economy would do much better if we outlawed the unions and the scam artists who run them.

By: Greg`

Greg` — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:54:50 +0000

Doctor's notes ideally should not be necessary unless missing an important event at school or work i.e. a final exam, important training session at work or anything like that. Like the payroll accountant or health practitioner said above, it's wrong, but the times where one does get too sick to go to the doctor that same day and spend x hours at the doc's office waiting( x being dependant on the province you're from:) ) and if the company demands one, i would probably do the following: 1) use the fake note 2)go to the doctor when you can bear it later on to get another one if necessary 3)check the labor laws of your province and if the company is not following them confront someone about it...politely of course and then consider a new employment.
Oh and Barrie this next sentence is directed to you. The reason we're losing jobs to other countries has nothing to do with sick days or fraudulent notes, in fact, the next time you go to a european country, ask a local what kind of benefits and vacation he gets. Chances are it will be better than someone doing the same thing here. How does 4 weeks minimum vacation time and a 30 hour work week sound to you? That doesn't sound like a recipe for even getting sick now does it?

By: Norm

Norm — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:33:12 +0000

I agree with the majority of comments here when I say that the use of such a faked excuse letter should be grounds for immediate dismissal and would be for any of my employees.
I am a health care practitioner and I am astounded be the number of patients that ask me to write a fraudulent note on their behalf, eg. a week off work versus one day. Doing as they ask would put my licence to practice at risk. Even when I explain this to them, they will sometimes still ask me to write the note.
The internet is rife with those willing to sell fraudulent papers to those who would use them.

By: Deborah

Deborah — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:14:59 +0000

I live in Ontario and when I need a note I go to the walk-in clinic if I can't get into see my own Dr. and the notes are FREE.

I've never had to pay for one.

By: Lynda

Lynda — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:12:49 +0000

As a Payroll Accountant, this is down right dishonest and grounds for immediate dismissal. The type of individuals who would use these are not career orientated or professional. If you require a doctor's note to be absent, then you must be a cronic abuser. When you call in sick when you are not, you are ultimately just hurting your own paycheque. Lost production=lost revenue=lost profits=lost $$ for pay increases, bonuses and benefits. Companies understand that people get sick, but when you come to work the next day miraculously cured or with a new haircut/manicure/tattoo etc who do you think you are kidding? If you want to do what you want when you want to, then start your own business and see how easy it is. And if you have a graduation etc to attend – tell your employer when you get the invitation – these are not spur of the moment get togethers. If you are an honest, hardworking employee, your employer will recognize that and be willing to cut you some slack. This isn't high school people – grow up!