In Germany, the rising rates of sick leave have become a significant concern for businesses and the economy. Private investigator Marcus Lentz has reported a surge in requests from companies to investigate employees suspected of faking sick leave, with his agency receiving up to 1,200 requests annually, double from previous years. This increase in absenteeism is reflected in the average sick leave days, which rose to 15.1 days in 2022, up from 11.1 days in 2021. Higher absenteeism has reportedly reduced Germany's economic output by 0.8% in 2023, contributing to a 0.3% contraction in the economy. The TK health insurer noted a record average of 14.13 sick days taken in the first nine months of 2023, highlighting the growing trend of absenteeism in the workforce. According to OECD data, Germans missed 6.8% of working hours due to illness, which is higher than their counterparts in France, Italy, and Spain. Corporate leaders, including Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius, have expressed concern over the high rates of absenteeism, which they believe could impact productivity and economic performance. Critics argue that easier access to sick notes has inflated sick leave figures, while the Hans Boeckler Foundation suggests that stressful working conditions and respiratory ailments are significant factors contributing to the trend. This situation adds to the ongoing discussions about labor conditions and the balance between employee health and economic stability in Germany.
In the UK, the issue of sick pay is also under scrutiny, with statutory sick pay starting after three days of illness. The Labour Party plans to change this to day one, highlighting a growing concern over sick leave policies. In 2022, UK workers took an average of only six sick days annually, significantly lower than the over 20 days taken by German workers. Factors contributing to Germany's higher rates include respiratory illnesses, mental health issues, and a strained childcare sector. A pandemic-era change allowing sick notes via phone may have contributed to the perception of shirking among employees. Experts warn that reducing sick pay could discourage workers from taking necessary sick leave, leading to health risks and the potential spread of illness. The UK government aims to address these issues by making sick pay available from day one, reflecting a shift towards more supportive sick leave policies.
As both countries grapple with the implications of sick leave on public health and economic performance, the balance between providing adequate support for workers and maintaining productivity remains a critical challenge. [e005b51c][e5e71f32]