Jobaaj Stories
Faced with growing economic pressures, German companies are increasingly hiring private detectives to check whether employees on long-term sick leave are genuinely unwell. The move has raised questions worldwide, with heated discussions on platforms like Chinese social media.
Detective Agencies in Demand
One such agency is Lentz Group, a detective firm in Frankfurt. Founder Marcus Lentz shared that his company handles 1,200 cases annually, double the number from just a few years ago.
This trend coincides with rising absenteeism. Data from Germany’s federal statistics agency reveals that sick leave days per worker increased from 11.1 in 2021 to 15.1 in 2023. The resulting loss in productivity lowered Germany’s GDP by 0.8% in 2023, leading to a 0.3% economic contraction.
Reports from health insurer TK showed workers averaged 14.13 sick days in the first nine months of 2024, the highest ever. Germans missed 6.8% of working hours due to illness in 2023—more than in France, Italy, or Spain.
Relaxed Rules Blamed for Misuse
Experts believe this surge stems from relaxed sick leave rules during the pandemic. Employees could get certificates over the phone for mild symptoms. While practical then, some workers have exploited the system by exaggerating their illnesses to take extra time off.
Costly for Employers
Under German labor laws, employees on sick leave receive full pay for six weeks. Afterward, health insurance takes over with reduced benefits. Employers say long-term sick workers can cost businesses heavily, prompting the use of detectives to investigate.
Marcus Lentz explained, “If someone takes 30 to 100 sick days a year, they become too expensive for companies.” Investigations often reveal surprising findings—some workers have been caught working at family businesses or doing home renovations during their leave.
Ethical Debate Over Sick Leave Policies
While some employers justify these checks to save costs, experts emphasize that addressing the root causes—such as respiratory illnesses, mental health issues, and workplace stress—is key to solving the problem.
Discussions about Germany’s sick leave policies are trending in China, where stricter rules apply. Chinese employees must present medical certificates, and their pay is partly deducted during sick leave. One commentator observed, “Germany’s policies sound like a dream to us!”
This trend highlights the need for fair policies balancing worker rights and employer concerns in an era of economic uncertainty.
