German corporations are increasingly implementing stricter measures to address high rates of employee sick leave, according to a recent survey by Focus magazine. The crackdown, particularly prevalent in the automotive and chemical industries – including giants like BMW and BASF – is raising concerns about employee rights and the potential for a climate of distrust within workplaces.
The emerging trend involves requiring employees who frequently call in sick on Mondays or Fridays to attend what are being termed “care conversations”. Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller, CEO of the family-owned machine manufacturer Trumpf, confirmed the company’s practice of multiple discussion rounds with employees exhibiting such patterns. Leibinger-Kammüller argued that frequent absences, even seemingly justified ones, place an undue burden on colleagues and ultimately impact the competitiveness of German industry amidst a challenging global market. “We are no longer sufficiently competitive because many industrial products are no longer a guaranteed success in the global market as they once were” she stated.
The move reflects growing pressure on German businesses to curb burgeoning healthcare costs. Bertram Brossardt, managing director of the Bavarian Employers’ Association, is advocating for the complete elimination of electronic sick notes and the introduction of a waiting period before sick pay begins. He proposes that companies should only be obligated to continue paying salaries from the second day of illness, arguing it would substantially reduce financial burdens on employers.
Brossardt’s call for a reduction in Germany’s comparatively high sick leave rate has ignited debate. While acknowledging the legitimacy of genuine illness, he asserted the need for preventative measures and suggested a shift in the system to deter perceived abuse. This aggressive posture, however, risks creating a culture of suspicion and potentially discouraging employees from seeking legitimate medical attention. Critics warn that such a system could contribute to presenteeism, where employees feel compelled to work while unwell, leading to decreased productivity and potential long-term health consequences. The debate underscores a broader tension between the demands of global competitiveness and the preservation of social protections for German workers, prompting a critical examination of the balance between employer profitability and employee wellbeing.