Sick leave in Germany rises to 19.5 days per year, prompting government reforms

On Monday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced measures to address rising sick leave in Germany, which averages 19.5 days per year according to research from the Berlin-based IGES Institute. This figure marks a significant increase from about 13 days in 2018 and is part of a broader initiative to enhance productivity within the German labor market.

Understanding Germany's Sick Leave System

Germany boasts one of the most comprehensive sick leave systems globally. Workers are entitled to 100% of their salary for up to six weeks of sick leave, funded by their employer. After three days of absence, a doctor's note is generally required. Following six weeks off, statutory health insurance provides 70% of gross pay for up to 78 weeks within three years for the same illness.

This system aims to prevent income loss due to health issues while ensuring employees can recover properly, reducing the risk of contagion in workplaces. However, business leaders have criticized the system for contributing to higher absenteeism, which they argue negatively impacts productivity.

Recent Trends in Sick Leave

According to the IGES report, the rise in sick leave can be attributed to improved reporting practices, especially with the introduction of the new electronic sick note system (eAU) in 2023. This system allows doctors to send certificates directly to health insurers, making tracking more accurate.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also shifted worker behavior, with increased awareness of germ transmission leading to more employees opting to stay home for minor illnesses. Mental health issues have become a prominent cause of absenteeism, alongside traditional reasons like musculoskeletal problems.

Germany Compared to Other European Nations

When compared to other European countries, Germany's sick leave rates are notable but not the highest. Data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that Germany averaged 3.5 weeks or 24.5 days of sick leave last year. In contrast, countries like Norway, Spain, and Slovenia reported averages of five weeks or more.

• Countries with higher sick leave rates than Germany include:
• Finland - 4.8 weeks
• France - 4.1 weeks
• Portugal - 4.0 weeks
• Belgium - 3.9 weeks

Conversely, Eastern and Southern European countries report significantly lower sick leave averages, with Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey averaging a week or less annually. In comparison, American workers took an average of 1.1 weeks of sick leave in 2024.