傷病手当で「休職」しよう（仕事をやめずに済む方法）

The English version is located at the bottom of this page.

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Hmm? My body won’t move…

Just when I thought I’ve been feeling tired lately, it suddenly hits me.

Even though I want to get up because of work, my body can’t overcome gravity and move.

The train arrives, but my feet won’t step forward.

Despite the impending start of work hours, I can’t leave the café in front of the company, etc.

Inevitably, you end up informing about being late or absent.

You might think, “Tomorrow will be fine, taking a day off today should be okay…”

However, the next day, my body still won’t move as I want, so I take a day off from work.

And then the next day…

At such times, you might think, “I can’t work anymore… I can’t cause any more trouble, so I should quit my job.” But wait a minute!

When your body can’t move, you can’t make rational decisions, so never choose “resignation” as an option.

So this time, I’ll explain in detail the appropriate response if such a situation actually occurs.

→ If reading text is also difficult for you, click here (coming soon).

1. Immediately contact your immediate supervisor.

Unlike a few days off due to an infectious disease, long-term absenteeism is expected.

Not only minimize the impact on the workplace but also set up a system to start treatment as soon as possible.

When doing so, proceed with the conversation assuming sick leave with your immediate supervisor.

※ Be careful not to inform higher-ranking individuals or the HR department before your immediate supervisor, as it may lead to reduced evaluation by your supervisor and potential grudges.

※ Since you will also need their signature for the sick leave application later, it’s important to maintain a good relationship with the company.

2. Visit a mental health clinic and get a medical certificate.

Visit a mental health clinic and obtain a medical certificate.

If you have difficulty choosing a hospital by searching for “mental health clinic” on the internet and find that most Google Maps comments are negative (people tend to comment when they are dissatisfied), consult your local health department. They may be able to recommend hospitals with whom they have dealings during district health consultation meetings.

3. Submit a sick leave application to the health insurance association.

Submit a sick leave application to the health insurance association that your company is affiliated with.

Sick leave benefits are eligible from the 4th day of absence from work (absences before that are considered paid leave or absenteeism).

Some HR personnel may not be accustomed to processing sick leave applications, so be particularly careful.

!! Please note !!

Different health insurance associations may have varying rules.

Always search for “(name of your health insurance association) Sick Leave” for accurate information.

4. Go on sick leave.

Sick leave benefits can be paid for up to 1 year and 6 months.

If you experience physical health issues due to mental health and require long-term treatment, it will generally be a long-term process involving regular visits to the mental health clinic.

If you engage in any kind of work (part-time, etc.) out of concern for your obligations to the company or your job, you may be deemed “able to work” and the benefits may be discontinued, so be cautious.

During sick leave, there may be times when you feel like you’ve recovered because your condition improves occasionally. However, it’s not that simple.

Do not stop visiting the clinic without consulting a doctor (as discontinuation may lead to the loss of benefits), and always follow the doctor’s instructions.

Extra Section: You can still receive benefits even if you resign!

You can still receive benefits even if you resign!

Sick leave benefits are provided by the health insurance association that your company is affiliated with, not directly by the company, so there won’t be any financial burden on the company. However, depending on the size and circumstances of your workplace, you may end up resigning.

However, sick leave benefits can still be received for up to 1 year and 6 months even after resigning. After that, you can continue to receive “unemployment benefits” by completing the necessary procedures at Hello Work (the public employment security office). (The duration of benefits varies from person to person.)

I learned about sick leave from experience when I happened to handle the procedures for another employee the previous year.

In companies that are newly established or have few employees, HR personnel may not be familiar with these benefits, and you may not receive sufficient guidance.

Receiving sick leave benefits is our right as we pay health insurance premiums every month.

Make sure to receive them and set up a system to start treatment as soon as possible.