Sick leave

Sick leave in the Czech Republic is governed by the Labour Code and provides employees with paid time off when they are unable to work due to illness or injury. Unlike many European countries with statutory minimum sick leave entitlements, the Czech Republic does not mandate a specific number of paid sick days at the national level. Instead, the regulation operates through a social security system where employees receive sickness benefits funded through mandatory health insurance contributions rather than direct employer-paid leave.

When an employee becomes ill, they must notify their employer and obtain a medical certificate (pracovní neschopnost) from a healthcare provider, typically required from the first day of absence depending on company policy. The employee is entitled to sickness benefits from the state health insurance system, which covers a portion of lost income. The benefit level is calculated as a percentage of the employee's average earnings and varies based on the length of employment and whether the illness is work-related.

The relevant legislation is found in Act No. 262/2006 Coll., the Labour Code, and Act No. 592/1992 Coll., on Health Insurance. These laws establish the framework for sickness benefits administration through the Czech Social Security Administration.

Employers must maintain accurate records of employee absences and cooperate with health insurance authorities regarding sickness benefit claims. Payroll teams should ensure proper documentation of medical certificates and coordinate with the state system to avoid overpayment or underpayment of benefits. Employers may also establish internal sick leave policies that exceed statutory minimums, though these must comply with labour law requirements.