Germany’s Sick‑Leave Rules: A Quick Fix for a Deep Problem

The German government plans to tighten sick‑leave rules, but experts warn that this may only treat the symptoms of a larger issue. In 2024, workers in Germany took about 22 days off for illness – one of the highest rates worldwide. The jump in 2022 coincided with a new electronic system that made it easier to record short absences, rather than an actual rise in sickness. Under Chancellor Merz’s coalition, telephone sick notes would be eliminated and employers could demand a medical certificate from day one of absence. The move is part of a broader effort to boost productivity in an economy facing an ageing workforce and sluggish growth. Researchers studying the health of workers point to deeper problems in sectors with high absenteeism, such as nursing, social care and teaching. They note chronic understaffing, low pay, limited career prospects and high emotional demands as key risk factors for poor mental health. In 2024, women in healthcare and social work took an average of 27 sick days; teachers averaged 24. By contrast, finance workers logged only 18 days and those in communication took about 16. Mental disorders account for just under 5 % of sickness cases, yet they lead to an average absence of 28 days. Since 2014, mental‑health‑related sick leave has risen by 47 %, making it the second largest cause of absence after respiratory illnesses.

Professors and health researchers argue that high responsibility paired with low reward – the “effort‑reward imbalance” – contributes to stress, burnout and heart disease. Teachers report frequent psychological or physical violence from students, while nurses face staff shortages without significant wage increases. These conditions create a high‑pressure environment that can erode workers’ mental wellbeing. Germany’s generous sick‑pay system, which covers 100 % of wages from day one for up to six weeks, is among the most generous globally. Yet several OECD countries still report higher sick‑leave rates. Comparisons are complicated by differing workplace cultures, social norms and institutional arrangements. Studies have found no widespread abuse of the current system. A 2022 surge in recorded absences was largely due to better electronic reporting and a wave of respiratory illnesses, not fraudulent claims. Research suggests that telephone certifications did not increase sick‑leave reporting. Critics argue the proposed changes create a “culture of mistrust” and could burden already overworked doctors. The government maintains that companies will have the choice to adopt or reject the new rules, with a fallback requirement for certificates after four days.

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