The Rise in Absenteeism in 2022 Is Only Partly Due to Electronic Sick Notes

Abstract

In Germany, employee absences due to illness rose sharply, particularly in 2022. Various sources argue that the introduction of the electronic certificate of incapacity for work (eAU) caused this. Official data previously did not include absences that were not reported to health insurance providers; since the introduction of the eAU, this is no longer the case. This gap does not exist in Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) survey data. However, since absences also increased to a similar extent according to SOEP data, the rise is likely due to other causes. Rather, a sharp increase in respiratory illnesses as well as behavioral changes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to have altered absenteeism rates. To reduce absenteeism, which has been rising since 2008 regardless, consideration should be given to introducing partial sick leave. This would allow the current strict medical assessment of “healthy” or “sick” to be modified, thereby enabling employees to work reduced hours.