Are You Sick of Employee Sick Leave Issues?
When an employee calls in sick, managers are left scrambling to find someone to cover the shift. Staffing gaps disrupt productivity, the rest of the team must do extra work, and let’s be real, there’s that question in the back of everyone’s mind: “Are they really sick, or are they faking to get out of work?” One way to combat this issue is to include telemedicine as part of your employee benefits package. When your employees have access to telemedicine they are more likely to get access to the care they need, you’ll have higher employee retention rates, and you’ll eliminate the feeling of uncertainty when someone misses a shift.
How telemedicine removes sick-day guesswork
- Step 1: Immediate virtual access. Any time an employee feels unwell, they simply open a telemedicine app or call the dedicated line — 24/7, 365 days a year.
- Step 2: Real-time clinical care. A board-certified physician reviews symptoms, recommends treatment, and, when appropriate, electronically sends prescriptions to the employee’s preferred pharmacy.
- Step 3: Automated documentation. After the visit, the physician issues a note verifying the medical need for time off, which the employee can forward straight to HR.
Why this matters for employers
- Verified absences. Objective medical confirmation replaces guesswork, creating a fair, transparent sick-leave process.
- Lower direct costs. At a $0 copay, employees receive care without dipping into their wallets. They’re also more likely to choose telehealth over urgent-care visits which keep claims — and premiums — down.
- Reduced downtime. Fast, convenient care helps employees recover sooner and return to work quicker, minimizing lost productivity.
- Stronger retention. Affordable, high-value benefits are hard to walk away from. Your employees are more likely to stay on your team to maintain access.
Why employees embrace it
- No out-of-pocket expense. A $0 copay removes cost barriers that often delay care and prolong illness.
- 24/7 convenience. Employees can speak with a physician before work, after hours, or from the comfort of their couch — no waiting rooms, no travel.
- Seamless prescriptions. Needed medications are sent to a local pharmacy within minutes.
- Privacy. Virtual visits protect confidentiality and spare employees the awkwardness of explaining symptoms in the office.
The competitive edge
Traditional sick-leave policies rely on trust and manual oversight. Implementing a telemedicine benefit delivers clinical credibility and convenience for employees, while giving managers clear, immediate insight into legitimate absences. It is a simple, cost-effective way to elevate your benefits package and keep business running smoothly — no second-guessing required.
Learn more about the telemedicine program offered by Mize CPAs, clicking here.
