German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is tightening rules around sick leave, requiring workers to visit doctors in person from January rather than obtaining notes by phone. The move responds to rising absenteeism, with German workers taking an average of 19.5 days off per year for illness, up from roughly 13 days in 2018.

This reform is part of a broader package addressing health and social security. Germany offers generous sick pay—100% salary for six weeks—which contrasts sharply with countries like the US where there's no federal paid sick leave mandate. Compared globally, Germany ranks below Nordic and Southern European nations in absenteeism rates.

The increase in sick days partly reflects better reporting through Germany's digital e AU system launched in 2023, which captures previously unrecorded short absences. Post-pandemic awareness of germ spread and rising mental health issues also contribute. Critics warn the crackdown may stigmatize legitimate illness while deflecting blame for economic challenges onto an aging workforce.

With Germany facing competitiveness pressures from China and high energy costs, the government frames this as restoring "fairness and functionality" to labor markets, though the effectiveness of such measures remains debated.