For which type of leave is a medical certificate usually required?

A medical certificate is typically required for sick leave because it serves as formal documentation from a healthcare professional confirming the employee's illness or incapacity to work. This requirement helps verify the legitimacy of the absence and may also assist employers in managing their workforce effectively during periods of illness.

In contrast, parental leave is related to family responsibilities and does not necessitate medical documentation as it often pertains to the birth or adoption of a child. Vacation leave is a personal time off that employees use at their discretion and does not require justification through medical documentation. Similarly, bereavement leave is taken in response to the death of a loved one and generally does not require a medical certificate, although documentation supporting the death may be requested. Thus, in the context of leave types, sick leave distinctly requires a medical certificate to validate the need for absence due to health-related issues.