The issue of employees taking time off to undergo elective surgery is a tricky one. It’s best to have a clear policy on the subject and employers can use XpertHR’s new model policy [subscription required] as a template.
A policy on time off for elective surgery should:
- define which medical procedures are covered and which are excluded (gender reassignment should be dealt with under a separate policy [subscription required] and it is probably also a good idea to have another policy on time off for fertility treatment [subscription required]);
- set out clearly how many days’ paid and/or unpaid leave will be granted;
- include a set procedure that employees should follow when making requests, covering the notice required, medical information that employees should submit, and how agreement will be reached with line managers about the timing of the leave to minimise disruption to the business;
- cover confidentiality, particularly what information will be given to colleagues;
- prohibit harassment by colleagues such as inappropriate jokes or teasing about appearance; and
- clarify what help will be given to the employee if there is an unexpected outcome to the surgery.
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