Business Daily Why do Germans take so much time off sick?
Feb 4, 2025
Germany's sick leave policy is among the world's most generous, providing full pay for the first six weeks and substantial support for up to 18 months. This fosters a culture where employees average 26 sick days annually. The podcast explores how these practices are evolving, especially post-pandemic, as companies adapt to remote work and changing employee attitudes. It highlights the importance of balancing employee wellness with economic impact, along with the darker aspects of the wellness industry that challenge these values.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Sick Leave and the Economy
- Germany's generous sick leave policy, with six weeks of full pay and 70% for 18 months, impacts businesses.
- Sick leave rates fluctuate with the economy, decreasing when unemployment is high.
Sick Leave Management at SDA
- Stefan Hellman, CEO of SDA, integrates sick leave into financial planning, assuming vacation and potential sick days.
- He noticed increased flexibility since the pandemic, with employees working from home when slightly unwell.
Sick Leave Culture Shock
- Henry Evenwagenberg, CEO of Balgarden, finds sick leave normal in Germany.
- He was initially surprised by the amount of sick leave compared to the US, where his mother had only two days annually.