Germany eyes harsher sick leave rules to save economy from absenteeism epidemic

They say calling out sick is nothing to sneeze at.

Germany wants to toughen-up the country’s lavish illness-leave rules — which allow virtually limitless sick days — to combat soaring absentee rates and boost a flagging economy.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is mulling legislation that would allow employers to dock the pay of workers, beginning from the first day they call out sick, Fortune.com reported.

It would be a radical change for a nation known for pro-worker policies and where  a four-day work week has become normal.

“Work-life balance and a four-day week will not be enough to maintain our country’s current level of prosperity in the future, which is why we need to work harder,” Merz said in a speech about absentee rates earlier this year.