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 permitted. The proposal is under examination by economists.
Discussions about Germany's sick leave policy focus on two key points. The first is the in-person visit rule. 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.