When thinking about Germany, you might imagine delicious sausages, amazing engineering, and a country that cares about its people, especially when they’re sick.
A long time ago, in 1883, a man named Otto von Bismarck made a special law that was the first of its kind in the world: the Health Insurance Act. This law was not only about helping workers when they got sick but also about making Germany a bit different from other countries. Let’s dig into why Germany is called the “world champion of sick days” and what this means for the country!
1. Historical Roots and Current Scenario
Germany’s sick leave policy is one of the most loving and kind in the world. But what does that mean for their businesses? Well, each year, German workers take an average of 15 sick days.
Compare this to other places in Europe, where workers only take about 8 days off. This difference might not seem huge, but it adds up when you think about all the workers in the whole of Germany.
Imagine you have a small group of friends, and they usually get sick a few times a year. But suddenly, they are getting sick a lot more often. You might start worrying, right? That’s what’s happening in Germany.
Many people, like Mr. Bäte from Allianz and Mr. Källenius from Mercedes, worry that the current system makes it too easy for people to take sick days. They are concerned because companies spend a lot of money on paying people who are not working due to sickness — about €76.7 billion in 2023, which was a big jump from €36.9 billion in 2010!
2. Why Are Sick Days So Common?
Generous Sick Leave Policies: One of the reasons why German workers take more sick days is because the system is so supportive. Workers receive their full salary from the first day they fall sick, for up to six weeks. Compare this to places like Britain, where workers don’t get paid for the first three days they’re sick and then receive a smaller amount than their regular salary.
Health and Age: Many people in Germany are older, and like everyone else in the world, they’ve been dealing with new health problems after the pandemic. These include colds, flu, and mental health issues.
Ease of Requesting Sick Leave: It’s easier now for Germans to get a sick doctor’s note without visiting the doctor. This sometimes leads to workers taking more sick days than needed.
3. Visualizing Sickness
Let’s look at a simple table that compares the number of sick days German workers take against European workers:
4. Potential Solutions
We can learn a lot from our Scandinavian friends. Countries like Sweden once had a “waiting day,” where workers weren’t paid on their first sick day to discourage them from taking unnecessary days off. They stopped this practice, but they approach sick leaves a bit differently:
Partial Sick Leave: Sometimes, if a person isn’t feeling completely well but can still do some work, they can work fewer hours. This helps them stay productive and recover simultaneously.
Employer Support: Swedish employers pay 80% of a worker’s salary for a certain period, and after that, health insurers step in.
Another cool idea is to make workplaces safer and healthier:
Stay Healthy, Stay Safe: Companies can offer flu vaccines and advice about staying physically and mentally fit. Imagine if your school gave you a chance to learn how to stay healthy all the time!
5. Conclusion
Germany’s system for helping workers when they’re sick is amazing — it’s caring and kind. But like anything, it has its challenges.
By learning from other countries and making some smart changes, Germany could find a balance where everyone wins — workers, businesses, and the economy. How we treat our health affects everyone, and it’s cool to see how different countries handle it!
Related articles
https://www.economist.com/business/2025/01/23/germans-are-world-champions-of-calling-in-sick
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