Teleworking, democratized during the pandemic, has become a central issue for the well-being of employees. But what about when health reasons require working from home? Who can prescribe a medical certificate for teleworking? General practitioner or occupational physician? Find out everything you need to know about teleworking on prescription.
Teleworking and health : what are your rights?
The concept of a medical certificate for teleworking
A medical certificate for teleworking may be requested when an employee experiences health issues that affect their ability to work on-site. This may include chronic conditions, disabilities, or special circumstances such as pregnancy. However, it is important to understand that such a certificate is not a binding "prescription" for the employer.
According to Article L4624-3 of the Labor Code, only the occupational physician is authorized to propose adjustment measures, including teleworking, if this is justified by the employee's state of health.
Teleworking, a professional adaptation measure
In addition to ensuring work continuity, teleworking can be a preventative solution to reduce the risk of illness worsening. It also contributes to well-being and productivity by avoiding tiring or stressful commutes.
In addition to ensuring work continuity, teleworking can be a preventative solution to reduce the risk of illness worsening. It also contributes to well-being and productivity by avoiding tiring or stressful commutes. For people with disabilities, teleworking can be an effective alternative to maintaining professional activity without the physical constraints of on-site work.
Teleworking on prescription: myth or reality?
The role of occupational medicine
Occupational medicine plays a central role in assessing the need for teleworking for medical reasons. Contrary to popular belief, this is not a medical prescription per se, but a written recommendation addressed to the employer after consultation.
This recommendation is not mandatory, but the employer is required to respond to it. A refusal must be justified by valid reasons, such as the impossibility of adjusting the position or constraints related to the employee's duties.
General practitioner or occupational physician : who can prescribe?
Unlike the occupational physician, a general practitioner cannot directly prescribe teleworking. However, he can support a request by providing health elements to be transmitted to occupational medicine.
Teleworking and employer refusal : how to react?
Employee rights in the event of refusal
The employer may refuse a teleworking recommendation issued by occupational health, but must justify this decision in writing. In this case, the employee has the possibility of referring the decision to the Industrial Tribunal.
Best practices for requesting telework for health reasons
- Prepare your request: consult your collective agreement or your company's teleworking charter.
- Make an appointment with occupational health: their role is to assess your working conditions and suggest suitable adjustments.
- Communicate clearly with your employer: formalize your request in writing, explaining the reasons and including medical recommendations.
FAQ: Everything you need to know about the medical certificate for teleworking
Can a doctor prescribe teleworking?
Can the doctor prescribe teleworking?
No, only the occupational physician can issue a written recommendation for teleworking.
Can my doctor allow me to work from home?
Can a treating physician prescribe teleworking?
No, but he can provide health proof to support a request to occupational health.
How to request occupational health for teleworking?
How to request teleworking from occupational health?
Make an appointment for an assessment. If teleworking is deemed beneficial for your health, occupational health will send a recommendation to your employer.
