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 being reviewed 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 differ across the continent.