The days of the traditional 'sick note' could be numbered.

Experts want New Zealand to introduce what's known in the UK as a 'fit note' - focusing on what an employee can do at work, rather than what they can't do.

It's particularly useful for people who are injured, or dealing with mental illnesses like depression.

Dr David Beaumont from the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine says a 'fit note' opens up lines of communication which currently don't exist.

"What it does is enable the employer to manage sickness absence, and the GP to use the workplace as being part of the treatment protocol."

He says a 'fit note' as opposed to a 'sick note' would mark a paradigm shift in approach.

"The concept is if you have an injury, what is it about your injury that stops you doing aspects of your job, what aspects of your job can you still do?"

David Beaumont says a 'fit note' could include options like a phased return to work, different hours or changes to the workplace environment.