Germany Plans to Require Sick Notes from Day One as Absenteeism Falls
Published on 07/21/2026 at 02:02 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
Sick leave in Germany has dropped slightly, but the government is moving to toughen the rules on when employees must provide medical documentation. The new coalition plans would require a doctor’s note from the first day of illness, scrapping the current grace period of three days.
Absenteeism eased in the first half of 2026: the sickness rate fell to 5.3 percent from 5.4 percent a year earlier, and average days lost per worker dipped to 9.6 from 9.9. Yet the downward trend has not slowed the push for tighter controls.
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Mental Illness Now the Top Cause
A DAK-Gesundheit analysis reveals a shifting pattern in what makes Germans unfit for work. Psychological disorders have overtaken respiratory infections as the leading reason for absence, rising 9 percent to 184 sick days per 100 insured members. Respiratory illnesses dropped 21 percent to 175 days, followed by musculoskeletal problems at 174 days.
The demographic split is striking: younger workers take less time off, while employees over 60 saw their absenteeism climb 0.3 percentage points. The average length of a single sick spell edged up from 9.5 to 9.7 days.
Telephonic Sick Notes Set to Be Scrapped
The government's proposed changes are multiple. The requirement to submit a sick note (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung) would shift from the fourth day to the first day of illness. Additionally, the telephonic sick note introduced during the pandemic is likely to be abolished. The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) has voiced opposition.
One measure already decided is the introduction of partial sick leave, allowing employees to work limited hours while still recovering. That plan has drawn less controversy.
Digital Sick Notes for the Public, Paper for the Private
Since January 2024, the electronic sick note (eAU) has replaced the old paper version for publicly insured patients. Employers now retrieve the data directly from health insurers. However, privately insured individuals must still submit a written document.
Survey: Six in Ten Have Called in Sick While Fit
Debate over the reliability of sick notes is fueled by survey data. According to a Pronova BKK study, 60 percent of respondents admitted they had once called in sick when they were actually able to work. YouGov reported that more than a quarter of employees had taken time off under false pretenses.
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Employers who suspect abuse have legal options, including involving the Medical Service or hiring a private investigator. But a 2023 ruling from the Düsseldorf Regional Labour Court warns that disproportionate surveillance can trigger compensation claims.
Heat as a Growing Cost Factor
Beyond illness, rising temperatures are straining the workplace. The head of the German Federation of Trade Unions (DGB) is calling for a special heat-related compensation payment. A survey of 4,000 workers found that one-third feel heavily burdened by high temperatures on the job. Estimates suggest each extreme heat day costs the economy more than €400 million.
Saxony to Join Bildungsurlaub Ranks
In Saxony, a new law will take effect on 1 January 2027, granting employees a right to paid educational leave (Qualifizierungszeit-Gesetz). This will make Saxony the 15th of Germany’s 16 states to offer such a right. Only Bavaria still lacks a similar regulation.
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