Photo by Oskar Kadaksoo on Unsplash
New Sick Leave Policies Aim to Reduce Absenteeism
The German coalition government, made up of CDU/CSU and SPD, has announced plans to tighten regulations on sick leave, intending to lower the country’s high absenteeism rate. Key measures include abolishing telephone-based sick notes and requiring employees to present a medical certificate of incapacity for work (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung) from the first day of illness, instead of from the fourth day as previously permitted. These reforms are part of a broader program aimed at strengthening the economy and social security systems [Source 1][Source 3].
Details and Implementation Still Under Discussion
While the obligation to provide a sick note from day one will become law, the government has so far not clarified how employees should obtain these certificates without necessarily visiting the doctor in person on the first sick day. Official statements emphasize that patients will not be forced to visit doctor’s offices immediately; alternatives such as video consultations remain available. However, telephone sick notes, which were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce contact, will be discontinued. This shift has raised questions about the logistical and health implications of potentially increasing in-person visits to medical practices [Source 6][Source 7].
Implications for Expats, International Students, and Foreign Workers
For expats and foreign workers in Germany, these changes mean stricter requirements when reporting sick leave, with the need to obtain and submit a medical certificate from the very first day of illness. This affects international students and employees alike, who must navigate the German healthcare system promptly to comply with the new rules and avoid possible employer penalties. The policies could lead to increased visits to general practitioners, and anyone who previously relied on phone reports will need to adapt to the updated processes.
It is advisable for expats to familiarize themselves with how to access video consultations or schedule a prompt doctor’s appointment and ensure their employer is informed in line with the new timelines. Because workplace rules can vary, expats should check their contracts or company policies for any specific arrangements regarding sick leave certification [Source 1][Source 6].
Controversy and Criticism Surrounding the Reforms
The planned reforms have stirred debate among doctors, health insurers, and even within the governing parties. Critics question whether the reforms will effectively reduce absenteeism or might instead overburden medical practices and patients. Some medical professionals also voice concerns about the risk of contagion in waiting rooms, especially when patients with infectious illnesses, such as gastrointestinal infections, must seek in-person certification [Source 3][Source 5].
Union leaders and ministers defend the policy as a necessary step to return to pre-pandemic rules and address Germany’s comparatively high rates of sickness-related work absences. The government plans to finalize the legislation before the summer parliamentary session but recognizes that further details and implementation modalities remain under discussion [Source 1][Source 7].
More details and updates on the reform can be found in the original report at Tagesschau: Krankschreibungen: Was die Koalition plant und was noch offen ist [Source 1].
