German industrial giants are increasingly implementing stringent measures to address rising rates of employee sick leave, sparking a heated debate about workforce management, productivity and the potential erosion of worker protections. A recent survey by Focus magazine reveals a growing trend among employers, particularly in the automotive and chemical industries – including major players like BMW and BASF – to scrutinize patterns of absenteeism, especially on Mondays and Fridays.
The approach often involves what companies term “careful conversations” with employees flagged for repeated absences. Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller, CEO of family-owned machine manufacturer Trumpf, confirmed the practice, stating that these discussions are often multi-stage and designed to identify underlying issues. Leibinger-Kammüller articulated a common sentiment within the business community, framing excessive sick leave as a significant impediment to Germany’s international competitiveness. Asserting that the situation demands action, she questioned the fairness of burdening colleagues with work when absences may not be genuinely illness-related, while also emphasizing the financial strain on companies.
The escalating concern extends beyond individual companies, prompting calls for systemic changes to Germany’s social welfare model. Bertram Brossardt, CEO of the Association of Bavarian Economics, is advocating for the abolition of electronic sick leave certificates – a relatively recent digital implementation – and the introduction of a mandatory waiting day before sick pay is granted. He believes delaying wage continuation until the second day of illness would substantially curtail costs for businesses.
Brossardt’s proposals are not without controversy, drawing criticism from labor unions and employee advocates who argue that such measures could foster a culture of presenteeism, where employees feel pressured to work while unwell and may deter genuine reporting of health concerns. The debate highlights a widening chasm between industry’s demands for increased productivity and the rights of workers, raising questions about the long-term impact on Germany’s social compact and the potential for increased workplace stress and burnout. The core issue isn’t about denying necessary sick leave, proponents of reform insist, but about reducing what they perceive as unjustified and costly absences that damage Germany’s ability to compete on the global stage.
