Work environment accommodating temporary sick absences
Work environment accommodating temporary sick absences
Elevated illness rates are straining the financial system. Major organizations are open to the notion of temporary sick leave, but they aim to curb misuse of phone sick calls as swiftly as possible.
Leading figures from the German Industry and Commerce Chamber (DIHK) and the Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH) are receptive to the concept of implementing partial sick leave, a practice already in place in Switzerland. DIHK President Peter Adrian stated to the Funke media group newspapers, "The topic of part-time sick leave can be deliberated. We should adopt a more practical approach." ZDH President Jörg Dittrich echoed this sentiment, "At least, it's an idea worth pondering."
Both DIHK President Adrian and ZDH President Dittrich concur that the misuse of phone sick calls should be addressed. Adrian voiced concern over online platforms enabling sick leave requests. "This surpasses the acceptable limit. Action must be taken against this," asserted the DIHK President. Misuse should be addressed as current illness rates pose a significant burden on the economy.
High illness rates in the crafts sector as well
According to ZDH President Dittrich, illness rates are similarly high in the crafts sector. Dittrich further criticized online platforms facilitating sick leave arrangements. "I would advocate for reevaluating or at least legislating that only the family doctor can provide a phone sick note," stated the ZDH President. If it originates from the treating doctor or family doctor, phone sick leave is suitable. DIHK President Adrian also does not aim to challenge phone sick leave fundamentally: "If the treating doctor, who is well-informed about the patient, can issue a phone sick note, this can alleviate overcrowded practices."
The president of the German Medical Association, Klaus Reinhardt, recently advocated for a model of part-time sick leave in response to the evolving work landscape. Reinhardt told the Funke newspapers, "A practical form of part-time sick leave for several hours daily could accommodate new opportunities and grant more flexibility."
The Federal Ministry of Health refuted this idea in early November. This is not a strategy they are engaging in. The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) deemed the proposal absurd. Those incapable of working should have ample time to recover. According to the DGB, far too many individuals attend work while ill already.
The high illness rates in both the regular industry and the crafts sector are placing a significant strain on the economy. Implementing partial sick leave, as suggested by leaders in German Industry and Commerce Chamber (DIHK) and Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH), could potentially alleviate this pressure.