Germany Mandates First-Day Doctor Notes to Curb Corporate Sick Leave
Germany has introduced a mandate requiring employees to present a doctor's note on the first day of sick leave, rather than from the third day as before. The measure aims to reduce rising rates of corporate sick leave and absenteeism.
Background
- Germany's coalition government has approved a law requiring employees to provide a doctor's note from the first day of illness, reversing a decades-old rule that allowed sick notes only after the third day.
- The change targets a recent surge in sick leave, particularly at large companies like Volkswagen and Deutsche Telekom, where absenteeism rates have hit record highs.
- Critics argue the mandate burdens doctors and treats workers as potential fraudsters, while supporters say it reduces pressure on employees to work while sick (presenteeism) and cuts corporate costs from unfounded sick leave.
- The measure is part of a broader push to revive Germany's struggling economy — the government projects it could save businesses billions in lost productivity each year.