Short-term sick leave raises questions for both employees and employers. These absences, which generally last only one to a few days, raise important issues such as loss of salary, the need for medical documentation, and the management of leave within companies. It is essential to understand these questions well so as not to find yourself in difficulty when faced with legislation and internal company practices.
This text aims to enlighten readers on their rights associated with short-term sick leave, while providing practical advice on the steps to take and the strategies to adopt to effectively manage absences from work. By better understanding these aspects, employees and employers will be able to navigate more calmly through the complexities linked to these work stoppages.
What is short-term sick leave?
A short-term sick leave is characterized by a temporary interruption of work due to health incapacity. Generally, this concerns absences which do not exceed a week. These interruptions can be prescribed by a doctor following various health problems, from the most minor such as the flu to more significant pain. It should be noted that some companies may allow absences without medical proof, but this practice remains limited and must be confirmed by the internal policy of each structure.
This type of shutdown allows employees to rest while minimizing the risk of contagion in the work environment, which is particularly important during an epidemic. For employers, managing these work stoppages involves paying particular attention to savings and continuity of service. Therefore, understanding the rules and practices surrounding short-term sick leave becomes essential.

1 day sick leave: Impact on salary
When an employee is on sick leave for a day, the question of remuneration arises quickly. In France, the Social security applies a three-day waiting period. This means that a one-day shutdown will generally not result in daily allowances, with exceptions, notably in Alsace-Moselle where these rules may differ. Some companies have put in place favorable provisions, allowing salary to be maintained from the first day of sick leave, which represents a significant advantage for the employee.
It is therefore essential for employees to find out about the terms of their employment contract and the applicable collective agreement to understand how their salary will be impacted by this type of leave. Proactively managing these shutdowns can be beneficial to avoid a reduction in income, including using leave or RTT days if this option is available.
Loss of Salary in the event of 1 Day Sick Leave
An employee who does not have salary continuation from the employer will suffer a loss of income for the day of absence. To mitigate this risk, it is advisable to anticipate by using the balance of paid leave or RTT to compensate for this loss. In addition, some companies have pension plans offering a salary supplement. So, learning about these devices is crucial.
It may also be relevant to discuss with human resources to clarify the company’s policy on sick leave. Transparency in communication between the employee and the employer on these subjects can promote better management of absences.
Can you take 1 day of sick leave without proof?
In theory, sick leave must be justified by medical certificate. However, some companies tolerate very short-term absences without medical justification, subject to a certain number of days per year. This flexibility aims to simplify administrative procedures for employees who face temporary health problems.
However, repeated absence without justification can be interpreted as abuse, leading to sanctions that the employee should be wary of. It is recommended to always respect the procedures established by the employer and to provide a medical certificate for any absence when requested, in order to prevent any misunderstanding.

Compensation in the event of short-term sick leave
Compensation for short-term sick leave depends on several factors. First of all, the daily allowances from Social Security (IJSS) are only paid from the 4th day of sick leave, except for certain special cases depending on the employee’s situation. Many collective agreements also provide for total or partial continuation of remuneration from the first day of absence, provided that the stoppage is justified by a valid medical certificate.
Employees must also be aware of the terms of their collective insurance contract, which can provide additional income to the compensation provided by Social Security. Find out about the benefits that can be made available to you to minimize the financial impacts of sick leave.
How to optimize absence management with Factorial?
Managing short-term sick leave can quickly become complex, especially in the event of frequent absences of the same employee. The use of a management tool such as Factorial can be beneficial for employers. This software makes it possible to automate absence management, thus reducing administrative tasks which can become time-consuming.
Factorial offers an intuitive interface, allowing employees to submit their sick leave requests easily. This centralizes absence requests and facilitates monitoring of the recurrence of certain stops, helping to anticipate human resource needs.

Management of sick leave requests
The ability to integrate absences into team schedules is also a valuable feature. This makes it easier to adjust staff numbers while avoiding unforeseen disruption. Good communication between human resources and employees via this tool further strengthens the organization and effectiveness of absence management.
Therefore, for any company looking to improve its HR processes, integrating specialist software like Factorial for sick leave management could be a beneficial solution.
FAQ: Short-term sick leave
1. Can I be on sick leave for just one day?
Yes, sick leave can be prescribed for a single day. However, due to the waiting period applied, it will not necessarily entitle you to daily allowances over this period.
2. Can my employer refuse my sick leave?
No, an employer cannot refuse sick leave prescribed by a doctor. However, a request for a medical check can be made in case of doubt.
3. Am I entitled to remuneration if I am on sick leave for a day?
It depends on the company’s internal rules. In the absence of these provisions, the day of absence will not be paid.
4. What happens if I take one day of sick leave without proof?
Although some companies tolerate this, proof is usually required. Repeated unexcused absence may result in disciplinary measures.
5. How can my business better manage short-term shutdowns?
Adopting HR software like Factorial greatly facilitates the management of absences while optimizing the organization of human resources.
Understanding the rights and procedures related to sick leave
Sick leave, although frequent, can have significant financial and administrative repercussions, both for employees and employers. It is essential to master the rules in place and implement them effectively to ensure smooth management of absences. Training managers and human resources on these important issues can facilitate this process and ensure compliance with legislation.