Belgium Scraps Doctor Note Rule; One-Day Sick Leave Jumps Fifty-Four Percent

Belgium scraps doctor note rule, and short sick leave jumps sharply upward. Securex announced Tuesday that brief sick absences rose fifty-four percent at firms.

Workers in firms with fifty staff may skip certificates for two days.

The allowance covered up to three days, dropping to two days later. Employers face modest financial impact for now, though organizational disruption remains real.

The company says data show behavior change, not necessarily abuse of leave. Experts argue lasting gains come from workload, autonomy, leadership, and open dialogue.