Norway offers a comprehensive approach to managing sick leave, balancing employee rights with employer responsibilities. Outlined below are key aspects of self-declared sick leave, medical certifications, and sickness benefits for employees in Norway.
Self-Declared Sick Leave
Employees in Norway have the right to self-declared sick leave under specific conditions:
Eligibility: Available to employees who have worked for at least two months with their employer.
Duration: Up to three calendar days at a time.
Frequency: Can be used four times within a 12-month period without requiring a medical certificate.
Medical Certificates for Extended Sick Leave
For absences exceeding three calendar days, employees must provide a medical certificate from a doctor. Here’s how it works:
Doctor’s Assessment: The doctor evaluates the employee’s condition and determines whether sick leave is necessary. The medical certificate will specify the duration of the recommended leave.
Partial vs. Full Sick Leave: The doctor may recommend partial sick leave if the employee can perform limited duties. This recommendation must be set out in the medical certificate issued.
Employer's Role: Employers are required to make reasonable work adjustments to accommodate partial sick leave and maintain communication with the employee during their absence. This support helps ensure a smooth transition back to work.
This approach ensures that sick leave is tailored to the employee’s condition while maintaining communication between the employer and employee.
Sickness Benefits in Norway
Employees experiencing a loss of income due to illness may qualify for sickness benefits if they meet the following criteria:
Eligibility: Must have been employed for at least four consecutive weeks before the sick leave starts.
Maximum Duration: Sickness benefits are available for up to 52 weeks within a three-year period, provided the illness is documented and eligibility requirements are met.
Documentation: The illness must be documented through either a self-declaration for absences of up to three days or a medical certificate for longer periods.
Payment: The employer covers 100% of the employee’s full salary in sickness benefits for the first 16 days. After 16 days, the Norwegian National Insurance scheme takes over payments. Sickness benefits are calculated based on income up to 6 times the National Insurance base amount for the applicable year. Employees earning above this cap are not entitled to sickness benefits on the portion of income exceeding this limit.
Implications for Employers
Employers must understand the rules surrounding sick leave and ensure compliance with Norwegian labor laws. Proper adjustments to duties during partial sick leave and timely payment of sickness benefits during the first 16 days are critical.
How Atlas Can Support
Navigating the complexities of Norway’s sick leave regulations can be challenging for employers. Atlas provides expert guidance to help businesses comply with Norwegian labor laws while supporting employee well-being. Our team offers tailored solutions to streamline your processes.