German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced plans Thursday to tighten sick-leave rules and scrap telephone sick notes to combat rising absenteeism [1].
These reforms are part of a broader economic package designed to revive a flagging economy. The government believes the current system allows for virtually unlimited days off, which hinders national productivity [2, 3].
During a press conference in Berlin on July 2, 2026 [1, 4], Merz was joined by Minister-President of Bavaria Markus Söder, Federal Minister of Labour Bärbel Bas, and Federal Minister of Finance Lars Klingbeil. The administration intends to require a medical certificate from the first day of illness, removing the previous flexibility that allowed workers to notify employers via phone without immediate documentation [1, 2].
"We want to get Germany back on track. It is now clear that this is possible," Merz said [5].
The sick-leave overhaul is integrated into a wider reform push that includes tax cuts, and a pension overhaul [4]. Officials said the measures are necessary to address systemic issues where the ease of obtaining sick leave has contributed to economic stagnation [2, 3].
By eliminating the ability to secure sick notes via telephone, the government aims to ensure that medical certifications are based on physical examinations. This shift is intended to discourage fraudulent or casual use of sick leave and encourage a more consistent workforce presence [1, 2].
“"We want to get Germany back on track. It is now clear that this is possible."”
This policy shift signals a move toward stricter labor discipline in Germany to address structural economic weaknesses. By removing the barrier of a multi-day waiting period for medical certificates, the government is prioritizing workforce productivity over worker flexibility, reflecting a broader strategy to improve the competitiveness of the German economy through reduced absenteeism.
