Germany faces economic pressure from high sick leave rates

Germany is facing economic challenges related to high rates of employee sick leave. In 2024, German workers averaged approximately 22 days of sick leave, prompting government discussions regarding stricter regulations. Proposed measures from Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition include banning sick leave notifications via telephone and allowing employers to request medical certificates from the first day of absence.

However, researchers suggest the issue may be deeper than workplace discipline. High absence rates are particularly concentrated in sectors such as healthcare, social protection, and education, where workers face high emotional burdens, chronic staff shortages, and burnout. Experts note that mental health struggles and exhaustion due to difficult working conditions are significant contributors to these figures.