Germany Changes Sick Leave Rules

By Georgie Hewson

Topic: Health

On July 7, 2026, at 5:03 am

Experts say workplace leaders set the tone for taking breaks.

German workers must now get a doctor's note on the first day of being sick.

The new rule aims to reduce the high number of sick days in Germany.

Currently, Germans can take three sick days without a doctor's note.

Critics say this change will increase wait times at doctor's offices and force sick people to go to work.

Here's why the rules are changing.

How will the new rule work?

During the pandemic, Germany allowed 'sick notes by phone' to stop the spread of infection.

This meant employees could call their doctor and get a medical certificate over the phone.

The previous government introduced this change.

The doctor's note was needed after the employee was away for more than three days.

Now, patients must see a doctor in person on the first day of sick leave.

Why is Germany cracking down on sick leave?

A new report found that in 2025, the average German employee took 19.5 sick days.

There was also a 6.9 percent increase in mental health-related absences.

Germany's new electronic sick note system makes it easier to track absences.

Doctors send certificates directly to the health insurer, and employers can access them digitally.

The report said many short absences were not recorded before, but now they are.

Experts discuss the best ways to tell an employer you're unable to work.

The pandemic may have made workers more aware of germs in the workplace, leading to more absences.

DAK's chief executive wants a government summit to address the increase in sick leave.

Sick leave for mental health issues often means longer absences.

Companies face the challenge of compensating for lost workdays due to these illnesses.

From an economic perspective, prevention is key.

Respiratory problems, mental health issues, and musculoskeletal disorders account for half of all absences.

The chancellor announced the change as part of productivity reforms to address economic stagnation.

In April, the government reduced its growth forecast for 2026 to 0.5 percent.

In June, Germany's central bank projected a 0.5 percent growth in GDP for this year.

The chancellor said the sick leave change is a tough decision.

But he believes Germany can no longer afford the competitive disadvantage of long absences.

Medical peak bodies in Germany criticize the move.

They say it will put a strain on the health system.

Online statutory declarations can be used as evidence for personal leave.

Germany's Association of General Practitioners says the new rule will be disastrous for medical practices.

The association's Markus Blumenthal-Beier says the proposed changes are catastrophic.

Trade union Verdi says the policy exemplifies a culture of mistrust against workers.

Dr. Libby Sander says the policy change is impractical.

She thinks it will overwhelm the health system if every sick person goes to the doctor on the first day.

Flexible working arrangements can help with mental health issues and productivity.

German leave entitlements are among the highest in the world.

A new study finds that a four-day work week improves physical and mental health.

In Germany, workers get 100 percent of their salary for up to six weeks of sick leave.

After six weeks, statutory health insurance pays about 70 percent of gross pay for up to 78 weeks.

Until the reform, Germany was ranked highly for its sick leave allowance.

Germany is often ranked alongside Switzerland and Norway for its generous sick leave policies.

The US has no federal law requiring employers to pay sick leave.

Neither does India or Japan.

Could Australia crack down on sick days?

Australia has a mandated sick leave allowance of 10 days per year.

Employees may be able to make arrangements with their employer for longer leave.

Most employers allow up to three months of leave.

If an employee takes more than three months of leave, they may not be protected from dismissal.

It's essential to check the protocol for calling in sick for each workplace.

Dr. Sander says it's unlikely Australia would need a policy like Germany's.

Most Australians don't take their full 10 days of sick leave anyway.

Some people can work from home when they're sick, which helps with productivity.

On July 7, 2026, at 5:03 am

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