Germany Faces Rising Illness Rates,โ Prompting Changes to Sick Leave Policies
Berlin, Germany – 2024/11/15 14:35 CET – A surge in reported illnesses โacross Germany is placing notable strainโ on the healthcare systemโข and prompting renewed debate over employee sick leave โregulations. Recent data indicates โคa marked increaseโค in respiratory infections, including influenza and โฃCOVID-19, alongside a rise in common colds, leading toโฃ higher rates of absenteeism in workplaces nationwide. This escalating health โsituation has triggered a recent shift in policy,requiring employees to submit a โdoctor’s note – anโ AU-Bescheinigung – from โthe โfrist day of illness,a change previously โimplemented only after the third day.
The increased demand forโ medical certifications and healthcareโ services comes as Germany grapples withโข an aging population and existing shortages in medical personnel. The new rule, effectiveโ since November 2024,โค aimsโข to provide employers with earlier insight into employee absences, allowing for better workforce planning and potentially mitigating โdisruptions. However, it hasโข also sparked concerns among employeesโฃ and labor representatives regarding potential barriers to accessing healthcareโ and increased administrative burdens. The โchange impacts all โemployees subject to statutory health insurance, with potential โimplications for businesses of all โฃsizes โขand the overall German economy.Experts predict continued scrutiny of โthe โฃpolicy’sโค effectiveness and potential adjustments โin the coming months as the winter illness season progresses.