Sick leave is a type of employee benefit that allows workers to take time off from their job when they are unwell or need to care for a sick family member. This time off is usually paid, meaning employees continue to receive their regular salary during their absence. The specific amount of sick leave an employee can take often depends on company policy or local labor laws. Employers typically require employees to notify them as soon as possible when they need to take sick leave. Some companies may ask for a doctor's note to confirm the illness, especially if the leave extends beyond a certain number of days. Sick leave is important for maintaining employee health and productivity in the workplace.