Germany is considering an update to sick leave rules that would require workers to visit a doctor in person right away. 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 main issues. The first is the in-person visit rule. The second is that sick leave rates in Germany are growing, though the country is not the worst in Europe for absenteeism. Rules on sick leave already vary across the continent.