German sickness absences dip slightly as government prepares stricter sick‑leave rules
Executive summary: Sickness absence figures from German health funds showed a slight decrease in H1 2026, coinciding with government plans to tighten eligibility for paid sick leave. Lower absenteeism can boost labor productivity and reduce costs for employers, while stricter rules may affect employee welfare and benefit expenditures.
Who is involved: German Federal Ministry of Health, statutory health insurance funds (Krankenkassen), employers, and employees.
Likely next: Parliamentary debate on the proposed sick‑leave reform is expected later in 2026, with further health‑fund reporting to monitor whether the downward trend continues.
According to new health‑insurance data, the number of work‑related sick leaves edged down in the first half of 2026 while the federal government is moving to raise the hurdles for employees to call in sick. The decline is modest, leaving open whether it reflects a lasting trend or normal fluctuation. Employers may see a modest productivity gain, but workers could face tighter access to sickness benefits.
Timeline
- — Los afortunados que van andando a trabajar: “Es de lo mejor que te puede pasar en la vida” (El País — Economía)
- — Arbeitsunfähigkeit: Kasse: Leichter Rückgang bei Krankheitsausfällen im Job (Handelsblatt)
Analysis — what this means
Sectors affected
- Labor market
- Health insurance
- Employment services