Germany sick leave policy: Germany is set to tighten sick leave rules, requiring doctor's certificates from day one of absence upon the employer's request. This move, part of a broader economic reform package, aims to boost productivity and combat high absenteeism. Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted the need to address competitive disadvantages caused by prolonged absences, signaling a significant shift from previous policies that allowed short-term sick leave without immediate medical proof.
I’m sure clawing back all of the lost productivity from people taking the day off to play train simulator will make up for the loss of cheap Russian natural gas.
(It’ll make it worse, as it won’t improve producivity but forces people to use oil and gas for getting to work and doing work).