Paid medical leave is a statutory right. But if you’re a Certis Cisco auxiliary police officer, there’s a catch: stay home, or risk disciplinary action – even if you have a valid medical certificate (MC).
And if officers are not at home during unannounced supervisor visits, they will be required to send their live location via WhatsApp or get on a video call.
The lack of a valid reason for stepping out would lead to a warning or other disciplinary measures, including dismissal.
According to Mothership, the new policy started in March.
An employee told Mothership that the news had raised concerns among staff, and speculated that the new policy was implemented to discourage officers from taking medical leave for minor ailments, and to reduce the overall amount of medical leave taken.
Certis, however, says that’s not the case. Speaking to Mothership, a spokesperson said the organisation’s MC guidelines were “designed to support rest and recovery”, and that managers may check in on employees who were on medical leave through home visits with “small care gestures”.
The spokesperson did add that they have also implemented safeguards to ensure the medical leave system “is used appropriately”.
“As a people-first organisation, we remain committed to building a culture of care, trust and accountability,” added the spokesperson.
Online reactions on Mothership’s Facebook page as well as on a Reddit thread were divided, with some defending the policy.
“As a former Certis employee, I can safely say that this policy is, unfortunately, likely a result of ‘people spoil market’,” said one Redditor, using the colloquial expression meaning the system was abused.
Most of the comments, however, were critical of the measures.
“So untrusting,” said a commenter.
“Culture of care, trust and accountability? I don’t know what they smoking right there,” added another.
“What will they do next? Install CCTV to ensure their employees have at least seven hours of sleep each night to ensure their safety and well-being?” joked one.
The issue also touched a nerve with readers who recalled a Straits Times piece earlier this week about how employees shouldn’t feel guilty for taking MC. That article encouraged better communication between bosses worried about MC abuse, and workers too scared to rest.
One commenter felt that while malingering would continue to exist, not everyone on medical leave should be placed under house arrest.
“MC abuse should always be a case by case basis and not dealt with by treating everyone like they are guilty until proven innocent,” the Redditor said.
