Debate Intensifies Over Germany's Telephone Sick Note System Amid Sick Leave Criticism

The ongoing debate on Germany’s sick leave policies has reignited following recent criticisms of the high number of sick days taken by employees and calls for reforming the telephone sick note system. During a campaign event in Baden-Württemberg, politician Friedrich Merz criticized the annual sick leave rates, which sparked responses emphasizing the need for better workplace health prevention rather than mere blame on employees. SPD social politician Tanja Machalet highlighted that most workers do not call in sick impulsively but rather endure work until they are unable to continue.

The issue has drawn different opinions regarding the telephone sick note system, which currently allows employees to obtain a sick note via telephone consultation. The coalition agreement between the Union and SPD foresees changes to this system but stops short of abolishing it. Contrastingly, Andreas Gassen, chairman of the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung, advocates for eliminating the telephone sick note altogether along with the requirement to produce sick notes within the first three days of illness. According to Gassen, these so-called “Bagatell-AUs” generate around 27 million unnecessary doctor-patient contacts annually, burdening healthcare resources.

Gassen also supports introducing waiting days or bonus systems to curb sick leave, aligning with Merz’s views about the very high sick leave levels. The debate highlights the tension between reducing absenteeism and ensuring responsible health-related work absences, with political and medical voices calling for a balanced approach that includes better occupational health prevention measures.