> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://support.haddock.app/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Assign sick leave with no end date (indefinite) 🩺🗓️

In this guide you will see how to **leave sick leave without an end date** by assigning it through a **shift pattern for absences**. The pattern will repeat automatically until you stop it.

---

### 1) Create the absence shift pattern (IT) ⚙️

1. Go to **Shifts → Shift patterns** and click **New pattern**.
2. In the creation pop-up, use the **left-hand filter** for the **Absence** type.
3. In the shift list, **click *IT*** (the absence you will use for the sick leave).
4. **Select all 7 days** of the pattern (Monday to Sunday).
5. On any of those 7 days, **right-click → Paste shifts** so that the **IT** absence is set for the **entire week**.
6. **Save** the pattern with the name **IT** (or whatever you prefer).

Tip: the weekly pattern will make it easier for the absence to remain **indefinitely** once assigned.

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/helpdesk-haddock-images/haddock-hr/absence-and-vacation-management/assign-sick-leave-with-no-end-date-indefinite/images/01-1-create-the-absence-shift-pattern-it.png)

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/helpdesk-haddock-images/haddock-hr/absence-and-vacation-management/assign-sick-leave-with-no-end-date-indefinite/images/02-1-create-the-absence-shift-pattern-it.png)

---

### 2) Assign the pattern to the employee and leave it without an end date 👤➕

1. Go to **Employees**, and select the employee in question.
2. Open the employee's **Shift patterns** tab and click **➕ Add**.
3. Choose the **IT** pattern and set the **Start date** (the first day of sick leave).
4. **Leave the *End date* blank** so that the leave is **indefinite**.
5. Click **Save**.

If your workplace requires an end date, you can enter an **estimated** one and adjust it later.

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/helpdesk-haddock-images/haddock-hr/absence-and-vacation-management/assign-sick-leave-with-no-end-date-indefinite/images/03-2-assign-the-pattern-to-the-employee-and-leave-it-without-an-end.png)

---

### 3) Verify the assignment in the plan ✅

1. Open the **Plan**.
2. Click **Schedule (blue button)** so the system applies the patterns.
3. You will see that the **IT** absence is **scheduled for every day** starting from the start date.

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/helpdesk-haddock-images/haddock-hr/absence-and-vacation-management/assign-sick-leave-with-no-end-date-indefinite/images/04-3-verify-the-assignment-in-the-plan.png)

---

### 4) How to end the sick leave later 🛑

- When you have the return-to-work date, go back to **Employees → Shift patterns** and **edit** the **IT** assignment:

  - Add an **End date** (last included day) and **save**.
  - Alternatively, **delete** the **IT** pattern assignment and **assign** the employee's usual pattern.
- Open the **Plan** and click **Verify** to reflect the changes.

---

### Frequently asked questions ❓

**Can I use a different pattern that is not weekly?**
Yes. You can create a pattern with whatever structure you need; the key is to **leave it without an end date** when assigning it.

**Do I need special permissions?**
Yes, you need **edit** permissions for employees, patterns, and the plan.