Employee self-attestation form template for Ontario sick leave
Employee self-attestation for Ontario sick leave
As of October 28, 2024, employers cannot require a doctor’s note for statutory sick leave. But that doesn’t mean businesses have to take every absence at face value.
Instead, employers can ask for reasonable evidence—and the easiest way to do that is with a self-attestation form. This simple but effective form requires employees to formally confirm their absence, making them less likely to misuse sick leave. When someone has to put it in writing, they’re far less likely to be dishonest.
Collect the Self-Attestation by Email
Instead of using a form, simply ask employees to confirm their sick leave details by email. This quick process ensures compliance and accountability without unnecessary red tape.
Should I send the self-attestation to the employee's work or personal email?
- Work email: Best for employees actively working but reporting a short-term illness.
- Personal email: Recommended if the employee is on extended leave or doesn’t have access to their work account.
Self-attestation email script
Subject: Confirmation of Sick Leave
Dear [Employee’s Name],
We hope you are feeling better. As part of our records, we require a simple confirmation of your recent sick leave. No medical note is required, but we do ask that you confirm the details of your absence by replying to this email.
Please respond with the following information:
Self-Attestation Sick Leave Confirmation
Employee Name: [Your Full Name]
Position: [Your Job Title]
Date(s) Absent: [List the date(s)]
Reason for Leave: [Personal illness / Injury / Medical emergency / Preventative medical care]
By replying with this information, you confirm that your absence was for a valid reason under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA). You also acknowledge that providing false or misleading information will result in disciplinary action.
Simply hit ‘Reply’ to this email, fill in the details above, and send it back at your earliest convenience.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Company Name]
Why you need self-attestation for sick leave
With doctor’s notes off the table, employers still need a clear, standardized way to track sick leave. A self-attestation email helps:
- Ensure compliance – Stay aligned with the new legal requirements.
- Prevent abuse – Employees are less likely to be dishonest when they have to sign off on it.
- Reduce admin work – No more chasing paperwork or unnecessary doctor’s notes.
- Keep records organized – A written email trail ensures proper documentation.
Without a process in place, sick leave policies can become inconsistent and easy to exploit. A self-attestation email keeps things simple, fair, and professional.
Who should use this?
- Employers who need a legally compliant sick leave process
- HR professionals updating sick leave policies
- Small business owners looking for a fast, no-fuss approach
- Employees required to provide reasonable proof of sick leave
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