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In Austria, the temptation to call in sick without being truly ill is widespread. Whether it’s exhaustion, stress, or simply the desire for a day off, many employees consider asking their doctor for a sick note even when their health is not genuinely impaired. But while the practice may seem harmless, lying to obtain a medical certificate carries significant risks—both medically and legally.
Why Patients Sometimes Mislead Their Doctors
Common excuses such as stomach flu or back pain are often used because they are difficult to verify from a distance. Increasingly, some employees even attempt to secure online sick notes without face-to-face consultations. The underlying reason is often pressure at work: fear of conflict with employers, job insecurity, and the difficulty of openly discussing mental or emotional strain. For many, pretending to be physically ill feels easier than admitting to stress or burnout.
Can Doctors Detect Lies?
Doctors in Austria are trained to spot inconsistencies. A patient who appears outwardly healthy but claims severe symptoms may quickly raise suspicion. Physicians rely on their experience, medical examinations, and subtle cues such as tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions. A monotonous voice, nervous gestures, or contradictory details often reveal when someone is not being truthful. While some doctors may issue a sick note without probing further, others ask detailed questions or schedule follow-up examinations.
Possible Consequences
If a doctor suspects dishonesty, they may refuse to issue a sick note or document their doubts in the medical record. This leaves the employee with few options: either return to work or seek another medical opinion. Beyond the doctor’s office, the risks extend into employment law. Austrian employers can demand further proof of illness if they suspect fraud, and disciplinary measures such as warnings or even termination may follow. In severe cases, falsely claiming sick leave could be considered fraud under criminal law, potentially leading to legal consequences.
Honesty as the Best Policy
Experts emphasize that honesty is the safest approach. Austrian doctors take psychological strain seriously, and employees should not hesitate to discuss stress, burnout, or workplace pressure openly. In cases of ongoing conflict or fear of repercussions, consulting the works council (Betriebsrat) or seeking legal advice may provide support. Ultimately, pretending to be ill may offer short-term relief, but the long-term risks far outweigh the benefits.
- Hector Pascua with reports from wmn.de/picture: Image by Best Ovarian Cancer Treatment Centre in Raipur from Pixabay
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