Employee Absences: Should Sick Leave by Phone be Abolished?

Employee absences are high this year, sparking debate on the demand for sick leave and its potential impact on the workforce.

Preserving the Option for Sick Leave by Phone

According to AOK and Techniker Krankenkasse CEOs, the possibility of taking sick leave by telephone should be preserved. “There are various reasons for the high level of sickness in recent months and years, and telephonic sickness absence is not one of them,” said AOK board chairman Carola Reimann.

Experience from the pandemic has shown that telephonic sick leave has been used responsibly, and this option should be retained. Reporting illness over the phone provides a lower threshold than visiting a doctor’s office, making it a more accessible option for patients.

The Benefits of Sick Leave by Phone

Jens Baas, CEO of the Techniker Krankenkasse, emphasizes the benefits of taking sick leave over the phone. “Calling your personal doctor’s office instead of sitting in the waiting room when you’re sick eases the workload on surgery staff and reduces the risk of infection.”

This option is particularly useful for patients known to the doctor’s practice, allowing them to request a sick note over the phone without having to visit the office in person.

A Permanent Regulation for Sick Leave by Phone

The option of receiving sick leave over the phone was introduced during the corona pandemic. In December 2023, the Federal Joint Committee of doctors, health insurance companies, and clinics decided on a permanent regulation.

Patients can request a sick note over the phone if they are known to the practice and do not have any serious symptoms. This regulation aims to provide a more efficient and accessible way for patients to report their illness and receive the necessary documentation.