In Germany at least you get three instances of a sick note: - One for your health insurance, which lists the diagnosis, duration, etc. - One for your employer

In Germany at least you get three instances of a sick note: - One for your health insurance, which lists the diagnosis, duration, etc. - One for your employer which only gives the days you are unable to work - One for yourself with all the info as well This neatly solves the problem that you have to tell your employer anything that only concerns your doctor (they're not allowed to ask either). And my work contract states that I can take leave for any personal reason if needed for up to two days, but after that a doctor's note is required. So in the instance of a period from hell that would make me unable to work, yes, a visit to the doctor is needed, if only for bureaucratic reasons.