Where are you from? Where I live - I think I am even motivated to get sick leave. If I feel ill, I can get sick leave, with no time limits I am aware of [0], an

Where are you from? Where I live - I think I am even motivated to get sick leave. If I feel ill, I can get sick leave, with no time limits I am aware of [0], and as a reward I will get 80% [1] of my salary back for essentially doing nothing. IMHO it's a win/win. I will get well and be productive as soon as possible [2]. If it's a viral illness - my employer would be happy that I will not make dozens of other people ill. [0] I have not read the law, but I have never heard of anyone reaching that limit. You can stay ill for months and still be compensated. Of course after some long time, you'll probably be moved from sick leave to some kind of disability program, which sucks, but we are not talking about disabilities. [1] There's a cap for sick leave compensation, but unless you are earning _a lot_ it should be enough. [2] Personal anecdata, but personally common cold takes couple of days of rest to go away, if I try to be tough and won't rest - it may take couple of weeks before I feel well again. Better couple of days of 0 productivity, than couple of weeks of work simulation.