Germany's average sick days rose to 15.1 in 2023, prompting accusations of workers skiving. However, doctors attribute this to increased acute infections and mental health issues.
Markus Beier, the federal chairman of Germany's general practitioners, notes a surge in patient visits for acute infections, quite possibly a residual effect from the pandemic.
Klaus Reinhardt, president of the German Medical Association, states that the concept of 'playing sick' is overstated, with increased infections being a more significant factor.
Since December 2023, patients can request sick leave by phone, but Beier argues this ability is not causally linked to the rise in sick rates.
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