Notice Period Dilemma: Does Sick Leave Extend the Notice Period? How Would You Handle It?

Hi all,

I have a doubt regarding the notice period. If an employee falls sick during the notice period and doesn't come to the office for 30 days, does his notice period get extended accordingly? Or else, what can be done to handle this situation?

Please advise.

Regards,
Nagarajan Sekar

Dear Nagarajan,

Leave during the notice period is generally not accepted. His notice period would certainly get extended. If it is an exceptional case, the employee needs to obtain approval from management on this matter. However, the management has the discretion to consider it or not.

Thank you.

This aspect should be clarified in the appointment letter. There is no hard and fast rule, but if the requirement is to keep an employee on probation, extended absence should be discounted from the period served, and this should be part of the terms and conditions.

Col. Rathi

Hi,

Leaves during the notice period are not usually considered, but if management can review the individual's case, there may be no need to prolong the notice period. It is also possible that the employee is not being truthful. However, a full 30 days of leave should not be deemed acceptable. The organization should request the employee to return and provide a proper handover before the conclusion of their notice period.