For many Manitoba employers, sick notes for short-term absences have simply been part of the landscape. They were written into policies years ago, and became the standard way to verify an absence.

For a long time, few questioned the practice because it was familiar and felt like a reasonable safeguard. Most employers were not trying to make life difficult for workers or doctors; they were trying to manage attendance in a responsible way.

What has become clear recently, however, is this old approach has created a surprising amount of strain on the very system we rely on to keep people healthy.

Doctors Manitoba has shone a bright light on the impact of sick notes for short-term absences — and it has been eye-opening for many employers.

The advocate group’s Sick of Sick Notes campaign rev

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