Home / Business and Economy / Germany's Sick Leave Rise: Deeper Issues Uncovered
Germany's Sick Leave Rise: Deeper Issues Uncovered
27 Jul
Summary
- Absenteeism is high in healthcare, education, and care work sectors.
- Mental health issues contribute significantly to long absences.
- Critics argue tighter rules ignore underlying workplace problems.
Workers in Germany are taking an increasing number of sick days, averaging approximately 22 days in 2024, placing the country among those with the highest rates internationally. This trend has prompted the government to consider tightening sick-note regulations, including ending telephone sick notes and requiring medical certificates from the first day of absence, aiming to boost productivity.
However, researchers suggest these measures may not address the root causes. Professions like nursing, care work, and teaching, which report the highest absenteeism, are often characterized by chronic understaffing, low wages, and significant emotional burdens. These factors contribute to burnout and mental health issues, leading to longer periods of absence.
Data indicates that mental health conditions, while representing a smaller percentage of total sickness cases, result in longer average absences. Mental disorder-related sick leave has risen significantly in recent years. Efforts to combat absenteeism through stricter rules are criticized by unions as fostering mistrust, and by medical associations as overburdening practitioners.
