Main content

Why do Germans take so much time off sick?

The country has a very generous policy and the average worker takes 20 days off sick each year - how does this impact businesses and the economy?

The country鈥檚 sick leave policy is one of the most generous in the world.

Employees get full pay for the first six weeks they鈥檙e off, after that their health insurance policy will pay them a large portion of their salary for a further 18 months.

This means the culture around taking sick leave is different to other countries, and the average worker takes 20 days off sick each year.

We find out why, and look at the impact on business and the German economy.

Produced and presented by Hannah Mullane

(Image: German commuters on bikes at a junction. Credit: Getty Images)

Available now

17 minutes

Last on

Tuesday 08:32GMT

Broadcast

  • Tuesday 08:32GMT

Podcast