Germany is considering a shift in sick leave rules that would mandate workers to visit a doctor in person from day one. Currently, phone-based doctor's notes are allowed. 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 far from the highest in Europe for absenteeism. Rules on sick leave already vary across the continent.