Change in sickness reports: trust instead of distrust in the workplace!

In Germany, the discussion about sick leave and the increasing absenteeism is becoming increasingly virulent. In recent years, the sick leave system has been significantly simplified. In the past, visiting a doctor was necessary, today a call is often enough to report sick. An example of this could be the communication "Doctor, I am a cold", followed by an immediate online disease report and ordering a recipe via the digital health card. Celebrities like Günther Jauch and Collien Ulmen-Fernandez support these new services.

But the examination carried out by the health insurance companies shows that these telephone sick reports do not lead to an increase in sick leave. Nevertheless, Germany is already suffering from one of the highest diseases in Europe. In the current economic situation, in particular in the automotive industry and construction industry, the employees demand "bite" and not to be sick with slight complaints. Employers should be able to trust that the disease reports of the employees are actually necessary. Instead of punishing or making money, a rethink should take place to recognize the importance of the job.

increase in the absent days and causes

According to a new DAK study, the absent days in Germany rose by almost 40 percent from 2021 to 2022. One reason for this could be the introduction of electronic sick leave (EAU) in 2021, which replaces the previous "yellow glow". This new method enables the sick leave to be fully recorded, since many reports have not been forwarded to the health insurance companies beforehand. DAK health estimates that the reporting rate is around 60 percent or more depending on the diagnosis.

A third of the additional absenteeism since 2022 can be attributed to increased cold waves and COVID-19 infections. Medical President Klaus Reinhardt notes that many patients appear in practices with "banal infections" who need a certificate of incapacity for work. This is done under the pressure of many employers to submit a sick leave on the first day of the sick. Against this background, the continued payment of wages on the first day of the disease, which has been in place in Germany for decades, is repeatedly discussed. The chairman of the Alliance demanded to abolish it, which met with violent criticism.

In addition, the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) warns of the negative consequences and infection risks from sick employees. The DAK reported that over half of the insured persons had at least one sick leave in 2023, which corresponds to an average of 20 absenteeism per capita. This shows that since Corona pandemic, more people have tended to report sick with infections. The discussion about the necessity and the basis of trust in sick leave will continue to stop, since experts and politicians grant a clear rejection of demands for restrictions on continued wages.