New Rules for Sick Leave in Germany
Germany’s coalition government, consisting of CDU, CSU, and SPD, has agreed on a significant reform package that includes stricter rules around sick leave notifications. The most notable change is the abolition of telephone-based sick notes, known as the telephone Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung (AU). The reforms make it compulsory for employees to present a medical certificate from the first day of illness, a measure aimed at curbing the country’s comparatively high sick leave rates [Source 1].
Details of the Sick Leave Reform
Under the new rules, employees will no longer be able to report sick to their employer by phone alone. Instead, a doctor’s certificate must be submitted from day one of their illness. While employers could already request a certificate immediately, this was uncommon in practice. The reform makes this obligation mandatory, moving towards stricter documentation and verification of illness [Source 5].
The coalition cites international comparisons and the perceived misuse of the telephone sick leave system as key reasons for the reform. Rainer Dulger, president of the Federal Employers’ Association (BDA), welcomed the changes, emphasizing that these measures respond rightly to Germany’s high sickness absence rates [Source 1]. However, some medical professionals have pointed out that increased sick leave rates are also influenced by factors such as the recent digitization of sick leave reporting, questioning whether removing phone sick notes will fully address the issue [Source 8].
Implications for Expats and Foreign Workers in Germany
For expatriates, international students, and foreign workers, these developments mean that any absence due to illness must now be certified by a medical professional from the very first day. Telephone notifications or informal notices to employers will no longer suffice, potentially increasing the need for timely doctor visits, which may affect planning and healthcare access.
Expats should be aware of these changes as they may experience additional administrative steps and possibly increased healthcare costs, especially if health insurance plans do not fully cover doctor visits for minor ailments. It may also mean planning ahead for doctor appointments to obtain the required work incapacity certificates promptly. Understanding this new obligation will help avoid conflicts with employers and ensure compliance with German labor laws [Source 1, Source 5].
Employers are expected to adjust their sick leave procedures accordingly, and employees should communicate these reforms within their workplace to avoid misunderstandings. Ensuring compatibility with health insurance arrangements is advisable to manage any financial impact.
Government Rationale and Public Reaction
The coalition government promotes the reforms as necessary to defend the sustainability of the social welfare and health systems. By tightening sick leave regulations, it aims to reduce absenteeism and prevent exploitation of existing leniencies in the system [Source 2].
Yet, voices from within the medical community and some employees express concerns about the practicality and impact of these rules, especially for mild illnesses where a doctor’s visit might previously have been considered unnecessary. Critics argue that the reforms might lead to increased bureaucracy and strain on healthcare providers, as well as potential delays for genuinely ill workers [Source 8, Source 7].
The government plans to offset these challenges through a greater push for digital health solutions, though specific details on this transition remain limited in the current package [Source 5].
Further information on the reform and its components can be reviewed on the original article by Tagesschau: tagesschau.de [Source 1].
