Germany is considering a shift in sick leave rules that would require workers to visit a doctor in person from day one. Currently, phone-based doctor's notes are permitted. The proposal is under examination by economists.
Discussions about Germany's sick leave policy focus on two key points. The first is the mandatory face-to-face check. The second is that sick leave rates in Germany are rising, though the country is not the worst in Europe for absenteeism. Rules on sick leave already differ across the continent.